HISTORY 



^LANO COUNTY 



COMPRISING 



ACCOUNT OF ITS GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION- THE ORFPrN op- r^c .. , 
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND SPRINrs i't« r.T>. ,^ ^^^ ^^^^' 

SHIP SYSTEM; EARLY SEtSeSnt/w T^ D s X^ONs'^o'^" 
SCENES AS VIEWED BY THE PIONEERS, THE FIRST aSfpt 
can ARGONAUTS OF CALIFORNIA; THE BFA^'fLA 
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD; THE PROG <F^S ^^ ' 
POPULATION AND AGRICULTURE; THE MEXI 
CAN GRANTS ; THE PRINCIPAL MURDERS • 
INCIDENTS OF SETTLEMENT, ELEC- ' ' 
TIONS, AND TABLE OF COUNTY 
OFFICERS, AND HISTORIES 

OF ITS 

CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, 

SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC. 



A FULL AND PARTICULAR 

BIOGRAPHY OF ITS EARLY SETTLERS 

AND PRINCIPAL INHABITANTS. 
ILLUSTRATED. 



SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. : 

WOOD, ALLEY & CO., EAST OAKLAND. 

1879. 









/ 






San Francisco : 

H. S. CHOCK KK & CO. 

Stationers, Printers anil Lithographers. 



PREFACE. 



In presenting the following pages to our subscribers we will draw 
their attention to the fact that reliability of data has b.'en our aim, 
rather than the elegance of diction and the verbiage of language. 

It has in many instances been a matter of extreme difficulty, the 
compiling the facts we have here put together. Want of precision 
in the dates of the earlier occurrences in Solana county have been 
found a great stumbling block, while a sequence of events has been 
difficult to gain. Our task has been no easy one. What is there 
more depressing than to bo told in one's researches, " Oh, there is 
nothing to write about here ;" or, " I have nothing to tell in my 
biography," forgetting that no more interesting records exist than 
those of the doings of the Argonauts of California, a record which 
each and all should feel proud in perpetuating in some form that 
will bear the brunt of time, and hand down their names and their 
doings, even unto the third and fourth generation ; hence, our 
Biographical Sketches will be found not the least interesting 
portion of our work. 

Doctor Levi Cornell Frisbie, of Vallejo, himself a pioneer of no 
ordinary experience, has spontaneously penned us the following 
letter, which we reproduce, not so much as a testimonial, but as a 
proof of how our labors are appreciated by men of profession and 
judgment. 

Vallejo, May 23d, 1879. 
Messrs. Wood, Alley & Co. : 

Dear Sirs. — Your enterprise in collecting, preserving 
and presenting in an enduring form facts and incidents connected 
with the early history of Solano county, is one that pre-eminently 
commends itself to the favor and support of all our people. Like 



all Californians, and especially Solanoites, we are very proud of 
our county, and believe we have the best climate, the most pic- 
turesque scenery, and most fertile soil within the borders 
of the State. So important was deemed this locality that 
under the old Mexican reijimc was located here, the National Rancho 
" Suscol," as being the finest grazing and best watered tract within 
the whole Province, while adjoining this magnificent domain was the 
extensive and fertile valley of Suisun, granted by the Mexican 
Government to the great Chief, Solano, for the use and benefit of 
his tribe, who were acknowledged to be by far the bravest and most 
intelligent of all the California Indians, and proved ever to be the 
staunch friend of the existing government, being often called upon 
by General Vallejo to protect the property of the National Rancho 
and the inhabitants of the adjoining Mission and town of 
Sonoma, repelling by force immensely superior numbers of the wild 
and savage tribes that inhabited the north as lar up as the bound- 
aries of Oregon. 

Here, too, in early days, after the change of government, at the 
city of Benicia was located the headquarters of the Pacific division 
of our army, under command of General Persifer F. Smith ; and at 
a little later day, at the city of Vallejo, the United States Navy 
Yard, destined, when completed according to the projected plans, to 
be the finest naval station in the world. On the western borders 
of our county Ave have the beautiful land-locked harbors of Vallejo 
and Benicia, large enough to accommodate the shipping of the 
world, while along our eastern border runs the Sacramento river 
and its numerous tributaries, furnishing admirable shipping facilities 
for all the products of the county. The California Pacific Rail- 
road, a branch of the "' Great Central," traverses the entire length 
of the county, and passes through all the considerable towns- 
There is known to exist large bodies of cinnabar, coal, ii-on, 
marble and building stone of superior quality. Medicinal springs, 
thermal, chalybeate, and alterative are numerous throughout the 



county, which h;ive ah'eady become the resort of tlie invahd and 
pleasure-seeker from every part of the State. We cultivate suc- 
cessfully all the fruits and products of both temperate and semi- 
tropical zones, and, " sitting thus under our own vine and fig-tree " 
ai'e, as we ought to be, par excellence a happy and contented people. 
Very respectfully yours, 

L. COKNELL FeISBIE. 

Of a necessity, where we were not afibrded the requisite informa- 
tion, it has been impossible to produce histories, notably in the 
instances of those schools and churches under the rule of the 
Catholic body, and the large flour mill of Messrs. A. D. Starr & 
Co., the railroad corporations, and Wells, Fargo & Go's Express — 
their omission has been no fault of ours. 

In conclusion, we would tender our best thanks to those ladies 
and gentlemen of Solano county who aided us ; more especially do 
we oflfer our acknowledgements to Mrs. Thomas Brownlee and herrel- 
atives, who were the first to give us a regular start in our 
undertaking, while to the whole of the county officers, without 
exception, and to Messrs. Wendell & Richardson, of the Vallejo 
Chronicle, George Roe, of the Solano Times, C. F. Montgomery, oi 
the Solano Republican, Alfred B. Nye, of the Dixon Tribime, and 
E. A. McDonell, of the New Era of Benicia, for their kind assist- 
ance, while such names as those of Messrs. Fitch, County 
Surveyor, A. Dunn, County Clerk, G. A. Gillespie, Deputy County 
Clerk. S. C. Gray, of San Francisco, L. L. Palmer, of Suisun, and 
A. J. Dobbins, of Fairfield, should not be forgotten, nor indeed 
should those of our own staff, Messrs. W. A. Slocum, W. N. Bowen, 
and L. L. Bowen, to whom we are indebted for much valuable time 
and information. 

WOOD, ALLEY & CO. 

East Oakland, July 1, 1S79. 

J. P. MuKKO FkasEK, ITiMorian. 



INDEX 



HISTORICAL. 

Paok. 

HiSTOKY OF Solano County. 17 

Geographioal Situation and Area. 17 

Tojjography 20 

Geology. 2.3 

Springs, Soil and Valleys 24 

Its Streams 2.5 

Oega.vization 26 

Origin of the Township System 
in the U. S. and it« Extension 

to California 26 

Montezuma 30-40-44 

iSuisun 39-42 

Green Valley .31-39-41 

Vaca\-ille 31-42 

Benicia 32-41 

Vallejo 32-41 

Tremont 34-40-43 

County Seat Convention 34 

Maine Prairie 39-43 

Silveyville 42 

. Rio Vista 43 

Denverton 44 

Elmira. .*" 44 

TuK Settlemekt 49 

The American Pioneers of Cali- 
fornia 53 

Agricultural I^uds 74 

Grazing Lanfls 76 

Swarrij)8 and Overflowed Lands. . 76 

Mineral l^rids 77 

Timl,f;r 77 

Live Stock 77 

Improvement« 78 

Assesserl Value of Property for 

1876 80 

Go^kI Temj)lars' Home for Or- 
phans 81 

Whit<; Suli-hur Springs 88 

Tolenas Springs 91 

Marble Quarry 93 

POLITICAL HLSTORY. 

Early Political History 103 

Table showing the State, County, 
and Town.ship Officers from the 
year 1850 to 1879, inclusive. . 121 



MEXICAN GRANTS. 

pAor. 

Suscol 1 30 

Suisun 131 

Tolenas 1.33 

LfjsPutos 136 

Rio Los Putos 1 36 

Ulpinos 267 

MURDER AND OTHER TRIALS. 

The Peojile vs. P>lward Crocker. 137 

The People vs. William Kemp . . 138 

The Pe^],le vs. B«!verley G. Wells 138 
Tlie Killing of .Jonathan Cook V)y 

George K. Mann 140 

The PeojJe vs. RoVjert B. McMil- 
lan 141 

The People vs. Philander Arnold 141 

Tlie Pw^ple vs. Joseph Zaesf;k. . . 142 

The People vs. Merrill Jamf«. . . 142 

Tlie People vs. D. H. Fitzjiatrick 143 

Tlie People vs. Frank Gra/ly. ... 143 
Tlie People vs. William W<Sit- 

phal 143 

The Peojile vs. D. G. Gordon. . . 144 
The People vs. James Camplx;ll 

and Annie 'Robinson 144 

The People vs. Pancho Valencia 

and GuadalujK; Valencia 144 

The People vs. Jamfsi Mallon. . . 145 

Tlie People vs. Janif* Lawther. , 145 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 

Besicia 1 46 

Young La/lies' Seminary 171 

College of St. Augustine 175 

Benicia Loflge.No. 5,F. and A. M. 177 

Benicia C1iapt«r, No. 7, R. A. M. 178 

Solano Lrxlge,No. 22, L O. O. F. 178 

Pioneer Tannery 179 

Benicia Tannery 180 

Brown's Tannery 181 

Pacific Cement Comj^ny 181 

Benicia Brewery 182 

Solano Hotel 182 



HlSTOJllCAL. — ruiUinatd. 



Vallejo 184 

Metlioaist Episcopsil Church 203 

First Presbyterian Church 205 

Cliurch of the Ascension 206 

Fii-st Bii]itist Church 209 

Advent Christian Church 211 

Naval Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M. 212 
Naval Lodge, No. 8 7, F. and A. M. 212 
Solano Lodge, No. 229, F. and 

A. M 213 

Golden State Lodge, I. O. O. F. 213 
Washington Lodge, No. 7, K. of P. 214 
Samoset Tribe, No. 22, I. O. of 

JR. M 214 

Farragut Post, No. 12, G. A. R. 215 
Vallejo Lodge, No. 75, A. O. U. 

W 21U 

Society of California Pioneers ... 2 1 G 

Masonic Hall Association 217 

Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme- 
tery 219 

St. Vincent's Benevolent Society. 220 

Post Office ".. 221 

Homestead Association 221 

Lanil and Improvement Co 222 

City Water Co 223 

Gas Light Co 224 

Hank of Vallejo 225 

Savings and Commercial Bank. . 225 

Pioneer Brewery 225 

Empire Soda Works 226 

Foundry and ]\Iachine Works. . . 226 

Sash Factory 226 

Solano Brewery 227 

Pioneer Marble Works 227 

Farragut Hall 227 

Alert Boat Club 228 

Bernard House 229 

Howard House. 230 

Vallejo Clu-onicle 230 

Solano Times 230 

Vallejo Elevator 231 

Carquinez Cemetery 235 

Military Organizations 235 

Fire Department 235 

San Pablo Engine Co. No. 1 236 

Vallejo Schools 236 

Mare Island 247 

Rio Vista 265 

Geology, etc 266 

Early Settlement 267 

Rio Vista 272 



Rio Vista Lodge, No. 208, F. 

and A. M 275 

Rio Vista Lodge, No. 180, I. O. 

O. F 275 

River View Encamjiment, No. 6. 

C. of R. C 275 

Rio Vista H. & L. Co 276 

Congregational Church 276 

M. E. Church 277 

Catholic Church 277 

St. Gertrude's Academy 277 

Public Schools 277 

Newspapers 278 

Business Directory 278 

SiLVEYVIIiLE 280 

Dixon 281 

Silveyville Lodge, No. 201, F. 

and A. M 282 

Dixon Chapter No. 28, E. A. M. 282 
Hyacinthe Rebecca Lodge, No. 

26 " 282 

Montezuma Lodge, No. 172, 1. O. 

O. F 282 

Othello Lodge, No. 31, K- of P. 283 

Dixon Lodge, I. O. G. T 283 

Dixon Lodge, No. 50, A.O.U.W. 283 

Bank of Dixon 283 

Fire Company 283 

Catholic Church 284 

M. E. Church Soutli 284 

M. E. Church 284 

Dixon Baptist Church 286 

DLxon Tribune 287 

SuisuN .... : 288 

Suisun City 290 

Fairfield 290 

Court House and Jail 291 

M. E. Church, Fairfield 294 

Grace Church 294 

St. Aljihonsis Church, Suisun.. 295 

Congregational Church, Suisun. 295 

Suisun Lodge, No. 55, F. & A.M. 296 

Suisun Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F. 297 

Suisun Lodge, No. 49, A.O.U.W. 297 

Bank of Suisun 298 

Fii-e Department 298 

Water Company 299 

Suisun City Mills 299 

Suisun Glee Club 301 

Newspapers 301 

County Hospital 302 



Historical. 



r)i;NVKRTON 303 

Schools, Churches, etc 304 

Denverton Lodge, I. O. G. T. . . 305 

Maine Pkaiiue 306 

Lodge of Good Teiiqihas 308 

IJiugbamtou M. £. Ohurch 309 

M. E. Church 309 

C!uml)erland Presbyterian Church 309 

Montezuma 311 

Collinsville 312 

Schools and Churches 313 

Vacaville 314 

Vacaville 317 

Vaca Valley and Clear Lake R. 

R. Co 318 



Bajjtist Clnirch 318 

Seventh- Day Advent 319 

Christian Church 319 

Davis Hotel 319 

California College 319 

Gkeen Valley 322 

CJordelia 323 

Bridgeport 323 

Rockville 324 

Elmira 325 

f]lmira 325 

L O. O. R of Elmira 326 

A. O. U. W 326 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



VALLEJO. 



Alvord, Luke 329 

Anderson, M. D., Walter Duncan.- 329 

Aspenall, William 329 

Aylward, Thomas 331 

Bergwell, Gustaf . 332 

Bingham, George 332 

Brooks, William S 334 

Bfo\vn, Calvin 334 

Brown, Samuel 335 

Brownlie, Alexander J 336 

Brownlie, James 336 

Brownlie, John 336 

Bi'ownlee, Robert 338 

Brownlee, Thomas 341 

Butler, O. H 342 

Callander, John 342 

Carman, A. S 343 

Colhoun, Edmund R., U. S. N . . . 343 

Condon, James 344 

Connolly, Henry 344 

Dare, John T 344 

Deininger, F 345 

Derwin, Michael S 345 

Doyle, James 346 

Drake, Simon S 346 

Edwards, William P 347 

Egcry, B. D 348 

Farnliam, John 348 

Foi-stenfeld, M 349 

Frisbie, Eleazer 349 

Frisbie, Gen. John B 349 

Frisbie, Levi C 351 

Frost, James, M. D 352 



Gookin, Thomas P 352 

Gorham, Abraham 352 

Hanks, J. G 353 

Hanier, Daniel W 353 

Harvey, Hon. Joel A 354 

Hilbom, Hon. S. G 355 

Hobbs, Isaac 355 

Hubbard, John E 357 

Hubbs, Hon. Paul K 357 

Hul)bs, Charles H 364 

Hunter James 365 

Jefferis, P. E 366 

Jones, Rev. Edward J 366 

Kennedy, John E 367 

Kitto, Samuel 367 

Klink, Rev. N. B 368 

Kloppenburg, D. W 3«8 

Lamont, James A 369 

Mallett, George F., U. S. N 370 

Much, George W., U. S. N 370 

MacDonald, Rev. David F 371 

McCudden, James 371 

McDermott, Robert 372 

McDonald, T. P 372 

McDonald, William 372 

McGettigen, Edward 373 

Mclnnis, J. A 373 

McKnight, Andrew 374 

McKnight, A. J 375 

McLeod, John C 375 

McPike, A. J 376 

Muiphy, Charles 377 

North, John 378 



Biographical. — continued. 



O'Brien, Thomas 378 

OTiiady, Frank 378 

Pearson, Gnstavus C 370 

Powell, A 383 

Richardson, H. D 385 

Kobinson, A. T 386 

Roe, George 387 

Roney, James 387 

Saunders, James 388 

Sheehy, Robert 389 

Sliirland, Frank 389 

Sinionton, George W 391 

Smith, James G 392 

Stefien, J 392 



Taylor, W. E., M. D. 



393 

SUISUN. 



Thompson, J. D 393 

Thompson, H. M 394 

Thornton, T. A 394 

Tobiji, J. F 394 

Vanderbilt, W. W 394 

Walker, W 395 

Ward, James 395 

Weniger, Charles 396 

Wentworth, John 396 

Wilson, E. J 397 

Wilson, John 397 

Wilson, Joseph 397 

Williston, J. E 398 

Yomig, A. J 398 



Alden, E. B 399 

Barbour, Nathan 399 

Bateman, J. K 399 

Bateman, John M. K 400 

Bauman, J. H 400 

Chrisler, P. J 400 

Clayton, Da\-id J 401 

Coghlan, O. R 401 

Crocker, Asa 402 

Davisson, Obediah 402 

Davisson, W. G 402 

Downing, M. D., W. G 403 

Dunn, Alexander 403 

Edwards, James G 403 

Fitch, William Wapie 404 

Gillespie, Edgar Ferguson 404 

Gillespie, George A 405 

Goodwin, B. H 408 

Gregory, John M 409 

Green, George 409 

Haile, Hon.R. C 4lO 

Hale, David 411 

Hammond, E. A 411 

Hoo])er, Thomas P 412 

Ho\i:, W. K 412 

Hubbard, Henry 412 

Jones, John M 413 

Kennedy, W. T 414 

Kerns, J. W 414 

Kinloch, John G 414 

Lamont, George A 414 

LeGro, Richard P 415 

Leithead, William 415 

Lemon, John B 415 

Manka, Chi-istley 416 

Marshall, Charles Knox 416 

Maxwell, J. C 417 



Miller, Allen C 417 

MiUer, John 417 

Miles, James L 418 

Murray, Alexander 419 

McCreaiy, D 419 

McDonald, D. C 419 

Palmer, L. L 419 

Palmer, S. G 420 

Pangburn, G. H 420 

Pearce, John W 421 

Perkins, E. D 421 

Quick, W 421 

Rice, Harvey 422 

Richardson, J. B 422 

Bobbins, R. D 422 

Robinson, W. H 423 

Rush, B. F 423 

Spence, M. D., A. P 424 

Staples, Earnest H 424 

Staples, F. 424 

Stockman, D. E. (deceased) 425 

Stockman, D. M 425 

Swiin, Hon. T. M 425 

Turner, W. H 426 

Taylor, W. H 427 

Vance, M. D., James M 427 

Vest, John 427 

Watei-man, Robert H 428 

Wells, James T 428 

Wendell, J. F . 428 

Wing, Joseph (deceased) 428 

Wing, Joseph Jr. 429 

Wolf, William 429 

Wolfskin, Mathias 429 

Woods, John 430 

Berry, George M 430 



LITHOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS. 



Page. 

Brownlee, Robert 9G 

Brownlie, John 20M 

Dudley, J. M 240 

Dutton, D. D 80 

Fi-isbie, Gen'l Jolin B 4S 

Frisbie, M. D., L. C 160 

Gillespie, George A 192 

Hastings, D. N 272 

Hilboru, S. G 64 

Hoblw, Isaac 304 



Hunter, James 416 

MeKinley, George C 176 

McPike, A. J 288 

Mizner, L. B 144 

Nurse, S. K 352 

Palmer, L. L 330 

Pearson, G. C 256 

Powell, A 224 

Sheehy, Robert 320 

Vallejo, M. G 32 



/^k^ 



HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION" AND AREA— DERIVATION OF NAME 
OF COUNTY — ITS TOPOGRAPHY — GEOLOGY— SOIL, 
SPRINGS— MINES— QUARRIES— VALLE YS, 
WATEE^COURSES, Etc., Etc. 



Solano County has a position about midway between the northern and 
southern extremities of the State of California, lying between thirty-eight 
degrees, and thirty-eight degrees and thirty minutes north latitude, and 
between one hundred and twenty-one degrees thirty minutes, and one hun- 
dred and twenty-two degrees thirty minutes longitude west from Green- 
wich. It is bounded on the north by the Rio de Los Putos, commonly 
called Putah Creek — this stream being the dividing line between Yolo and 
Solano counties ; on the east, for twenty miles, by the fre.sh water tules, or 
marsh lands, adjacent to the Sacramento river, and in Yolo county. The 
remainder of its eastern, and the whole of its southern boundary, is an un- 
interrupted navigable water-front for the space of sixty-one miles — twenty- 
five miles of which are on the Sacramento river, eighteen on Suisun bay, 
six on the Carquinez straits, and twelve on Napa bay and creek. The 
dividing ridges of the Napa mountains bound Solano on the west, and 
separate it from Napa county. 

The origin of the name of the county is thus described in a report to the 
Legislature of California, in the year 18.50, by General M. G. Vallejo, on the 
derivation and definition of the various counties of the State. He thus 
alludes to Solano : " This is the second name of the celebrated missionary, 
Francis Solano, and was borne by the great chief of the tribes originally 
denominated Suisuns, and .scattered over the western side of the river Jesus 
Maria, now Sacramento. The residence of this chief was the valley of the 
Suisun, which is bounded by the hill near Suscol. Before receiving the 
baptismal name of Solano, the chief was called Sem-Yeto, which signifies 
the brave, or fierce hand. In 1817 a military expedition (under command 
of Lieutenant Jose Sanchez, and by order of the commandant of San Fran- 
cisco Jose Arguello), crossed the straits of Carquinez (on rafts made of 
rushes, as there were no regular ferries in those days), for the double pur- 
pose of exploring the country and reducing it to Christianity. On crossing 
the river they were attacked by the Suisun tribe, then headed by their 
chief, Malica, who caused them considerable loss. The Indians fought 

2 



18 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

bravely and to the utmost extreme, but they were in turn attacked with 
such foi'ce and perseverance as to oblige them to retreat to their rancheria 
(somewhere in the present Suisun valley), where, being still hotly pursued 
and belie-\ang their fate sealed, these unfortunate people, incited by their 
chief, set fire to their rush-built houses and perished in the flames with 
their families. The soldiers endeavored to stay their desperate resolution, 
in order to save the women and children ; but even those preferred this 
doom to that which awaited them from the hands of their enemies. Thus 
perished the chief, and thus was the hearth and the home of Ms people 
destroyed." 

We are indebted to Mr. William Wajme Fitch, County Surv^eyor, for the 
following able remarks ou the Topography, Geology, and other knowledge 
of Solano County. 

The Townships are twelve in number, and range as under: 

VALLEJO. 

Fraction of Township 3 North, Range 4 West. 

South-east of Township 4 North, Range 5 West. 

South-east of Township 4 Noi-th, Range 4 West. 

South of Township 4 North, Range 3 West. 

West part of Township 3 North, Range 3 West. 

BENICIA. 

Fraction of North-east corner of. .Township 2 North, Range 3 \^st. 

Fraction of Township 2 North, Range 2 West. 

Eastern part of Township 3 Noi-th, Range 3 West. 

West part of Township 3 North, Range 2 West. 

South-west corner of Township 4 North, Range 2 West. 

South-east corner of Township 4 North, Range 3 West. 

GREEN VALLEY. 

Eastern part of Township 4 North, Range 3 West. 

West part of Township 4 North, Range 2 West. 

West part of Township 5 North, Range 2 West. 

Eastern part of Township 5 North, Range 3 West. 

SUISUN. 
Small part of North-east comer of . Township 3 North, Range 2 West. 

Fractional Township 3 North, Range 1 West. 

Fractional Township 4 North, Range 1 West. 

Most of Township 5 North, Range 1 West. 

East part of Township 4 North, Range 2 West. 

East part of Township 5 North, Range 2 West. 

Small part of Township 6 North, Range 2 West. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 19 

VACAVILLE. 

West part of Township 6 North, Range 1 "West. 

East part of Township 6 North, Range 2 West. 

Most of Township 7 North, Range 1 West. 

Most of Township 7 North, Range 2 West. 

South fraction of Township 8 North, Range 2 West. 

SILVEYVILLE. 

North fraction of Township 7 North, Range 1 West. 

South fraction of Township 8 North, Range 1 West. 

All of Township 7 North, Range 1 East. 

South part of Township 8 North, Range 1 East. 

North-east comer of Township 6 Nortli, Range 1 East. 

North-west corner of Township 6 North, Range 2 East. 

South-west corner of Township 7 North, Range 2 East. 

TREMONT. 

South part of Township 8 North, Range 2 East. 

North and East part of Township 7 North, Range 2 East. 

North-east fraction of Township 6 North, Range 2 East. 

ELMIRA. 

North-east comer of Township 5 North, Range 1 West. 

North-west corner of Township 5 North, Range 1 East. 

West part of Township 6 North, Range 1 East. 

East part of Township 6 North, Range 1 West. 

MAINE PRAIRIE. 

South-west part of Township 6 North, Range 1 East. 

South part of Township 6 North, Range 2 East. 

Northerly part of Township 5 North, Range 1 East. 

North part of Township 5 North, Range 2 East. 

West part of Township 5 North, Range 3 East. 

North-west Township 5 North, Range 3 East. 

DENVERTON. 

North part of Township 4 North, Range 1 East. 

West tier of Sections in Township 4 North, Range 2 East. 

South part of Township 5 North, Range 1 East. 

South-west part of Township 5 North, Range 2 East. 

RIO VISTA. 

South part of Township 5 North, Range 2 East. 

East part of Township 5 North, Range 8 East. 



20 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COTINTT. 



VACAVILLE — CONTINUED. 

East part of Township 4 North, Range 2 East. 

North-west part of Township 4 North, Range 3 East. 

North-easterly part of Township 8 North, Range 2 East. 

MONTEZUMA. 

Fractional Township 8 North, Range 1 East. 

West tier of Sections in Township 3 North, Range 2 East. 

South tier of Sections in Township 4 North, Range 1 East. 

And Section No. 31 in Township 4 Noi-th, Range 2 East. 

A glance at the following table will inform the reader as to the acreage of 
these individual townships, while appended thereto are remarks as to the 
portions of each which are under water : 

TABLE SHOWING THE ACREAGE OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



Name of To\^iiship3. 


Acreage. 


Remarks. 


Vallejo 


40,000 
25,600 
31,500 
110,000 
66,790 
56,040 
31,360 
26,880 
58,120 
40,000 
57,500 
32,120 


Of which 19,000 acres are water. 


Benicia 


Of which 3,000 acres are water. 








Of which 10,000 acres are water. 


Vacaville 














,, 










Rio Vista 


Of which 1 ,700 acres are water. 


Montezuma 


Of which 3,000 acres are water. 




.576,510 









The total area of the county is therefore five hundred and seventy-six 
thousand five hundred and ten acres, including land and water ; of this 
amount ninety thousand acres are swamp and overflowed lands ; ten thous- 
and acres are mud flats left bare at low tide, leaving in the vicinity of four 
hundred and fifty thousand acres as land fitted for agricultural and pastoral 
purposes. 

TOPOGRAPHY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Ten thousand acres of the county are swamp and overflowed land and 
mud flats bare at low tide. These lands border the Sacramento river in the 
south-eastei'ly part of the county, and Suisun bay on the south boundary, 
with San Pablo bay on the south-west, and are ovei flowed a few inches in 
depth at ordinary high tides. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 21 

The Montezuma hills occupy the south-eastern portion of the upland of 
the county, in Townships 3 and 4 N. R. 1 E. and 3 and 4 N. R. 2 E These 
elevations are from fifty to three hundred feet above tide-water, and inter- 
sected by narrow ravines or hollows (so called), the water-shed being gen- 
erally in an easterly and southerly direction. t,t -d i tt 

The Townsend Hills, in the south-west part of Township 4 W. K. 1 Jl.. 
occupy three or four sections, and are of a similar character. 

The Potrero Hills, in the northern part of Township 4 N. R. 1 W. 
occupy about eleven or twelve sections of land, and are surrounded by 
swamp and overflowed lands, except a narrow neck of low valley on the 
north side The higher ridges are two hundred feet above tide-water, re- 
ceding in elevation as they approach the border of level land adjoining the 

tula. o i- T3 ■ 

Robinson's island is upland, rising out of the tules, on Section 13 m 
Suisun township, and contains one hundred and sixty acres of land. There 
are other small islands of upland rising from the swamp-land, m different 
localities, Suisun City, at the head of Suisun Slough, on Section 3G, Town- 
ship 5 N R. 2 W. being located on hard land of this nature. 

Mostly all of that portion of the county embraced within a line drawn 
nearly east, following the border of the swamp-land eight miles to Denver- 
ton and thence north-easterly six miles to Linda Slough, and north-easterly 
alone the swamp-land, four miles to Maine Prairie village, at the head of 
Cache Slough, and thence easterly to the south-east corner of Section 36 
in Township 6 N R. 2 E. at the corner of Yolo county, and thence north 
along the east line of the county, fifteen miles to the old sink, or bed of 
Putah creek, and up the centre of the same, and up the centre of Putah 
creek westerly eighteen miles to the residence of S. C. Wolfskill, and thence 
nearly south, skirting the hills ten miles to the town of Vacaville, and thence 
south-westerly nine miles to the county seat at Fairfield, is level, with the 
exception of a slight ridge running across Section 3, and south-easterly a few 
miles through Township 5 N. R. 1 W. and other unimportant risings ma few 
localities The land thus described embraces an area of about two hundred 
thousand acres, which may be properly called plains, having an average 
elevation of one hundred feet above tide-water. 

A spur of rolling hills extends from Vacaville, nearly north to Putah 
creek which will average three miles in width, the slopes, benches, and 
small' valleys being celebrated for early fruits and vegetables. West of 
these hills and running parallel with them, lies Pleasant Valley, extending 
to Putah creek ; this vale is also celebrated for its genial climate, early 
fruits and vegetables, it sending the first into market from any part of the 

The eastern portion of Sections 24, 25, and 36, in Township 6 N. R. 
2 W. and the western portion of Sections 19, 30, and 31, in Township 6 



22 

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

? N E 2 W .nT.l, , *° ""= "«'"■" P»"!»° »f township 

i r . ^ ""'°™ P"' 0' Township 8 N. E 2 W 

o. tnrMi,i''::r:r„r;ff '°'' ^™-"»" °" "« «"' *°"-. »»«. 
;"vt;i:■;;r«I:nT:s;^'Jrin1!i;r^'"1";''•^™'^^ 

this rid^e of the Vaca monnt.,-^ .V. ^ "^ ^'"''^*^'* ^'^'^"de of 

8, in to.';nship N 17^^ H dl^^C^ ^^^ ^ «-«- ^. 7 and 
thousand feet above the ocean V ^\"^. ™°"°*^'"' ^°d is about three 
towards Putah creek wbt. °''^"°- .^^ ""« P««ti«n the ridge descends 
of the ricic^e a J e i "e^^ ™-ed:aely south of the creek, on the east side 

joining counties. '^loiano ana the ad- 

R 3' w"r\r' °;;'""! '^ ""'^P^' "^"^"P^^"^^ '''^^^^^^ 3. 4 and 5 N 

^..i-:ti::^rii£S - 1::^^-;--^.- -ng 

Among the most prominent of these Ts the Sul.W T^^'^ °^' '''^'• 
which attains an elevation of five hundred f et abot ^ 1 ''"'^. "°"*"°' 
about five miles east of the city of Valt r The E^h ''' " p" '"*'' 
Peaks, on Section 33, in Township 5 N R 3 W l 1 °', ""'"^t' 
easterly from Vallejo rises to iZ I u. / "''' °'''*'^ ^°''*^- 

ifornia laurel • at their w. f "1 , '^^^ °^^' '^^^^o^' ^^^^ Cal- 

undulatin" rfa e rL " 1? T ''1 ' '"''^^ "' ^^^^^^ ^^^ °f - 
Napa counV Th 'a-Iro" "^^^^ ^T'"^' '^^"^ ^^"^J« "-^^ to 

of L cou4 froirLitt.:r^Xr^^t -RiTrth^rr 

nules to the first Standard North. ^ * ^. -K. 3 W. north twelve 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 23 

GEOLOGY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The great overlying mass of rock in the hilly portions of the county, is a 
massive siliceous sandstone, in many localities changing to arginaceous sand- 
rock, with the divisional plains or joints less defined. 

The erosion of this rock sends down to the benches and valleys large 
quantities of debris, which, mingled with the harder clayey deposits, makes 
a light, loose, and warm soil, particularly healthy, producing the earliest 
fruits and vegetables in the State. On the lower slopes in several localities, 
are found extensive areas of alluvial sandstone, formed by beds of sand 
cemented by iron and carbonate of lime. 

Below the massive sandstone first named, beds of clay slate, alternate 
with slaty schistose sandstone, a-s seen in the face of the bluff" at South 
Vallejo, and in those along the Straits of Carquinez, in the ravines of the 
Suscol hills, and on the slopes of the Yaca mountains. 

Underlying the above are vast beds of Volcanic Tufa, composed of 
cemented, volcanic earth, light and poroas, containing a large percentage of 
magnesia, giving the rock a light gray color, which hardens by exposure, is 
a perfect firestone, and of sufficient durability for building piuposes, as has 
been proved by the erection of the following structures : the dwelling of 
Colonel Charles Eam.say, in Green Valley ; that of Samuel Martin, L. B. 
Abemethie, and W. W. Scarlett, in SuLsun Valley, which are all constructed 
of this material ; as is also the Stone Church at Rockville, and an exten- 
sive bam, the property of J. il. Baldwin, near that place. There' is a fine 
quality of this rock in the hills, on the lands of J. R. Wolfskill, whose 
spacious dwelling-house is built of it. It is absolutely fire-pr.x»f. 

The lowest formation necessarj- to mention, are alternating strata of sand- 
stone, shale, slaty sandstone, and coal. Subjacent to the foregoing is a bed 
of hard blue clay. 

Black basalt, or dolerite, occurs on some points of the hills and ridges in 
the vicinity of Brideport, in the Lomas de SuLsun, and on the hills east and 
west of Green Valley ; also on the old Dorris Farm, five miles north-east of 
Benicia, and on the land of Lewis Pierce, nine miles from there, on the 
Bridgeport road. It is extensively quarried and sent to San Francisco for 
paving purpo.ses. 

At the Soda Springs, on Section 2, Township 5 N. R. 2 W. five miles 
north of the Count}- seat, there is a quarry of beautiful white Cry.stal- 
line marble, which proves to be a chemical deposit ; the strata is made up of 
waived or undulating laminse, showing that the deposition was made upon 
an uneven surface. Where the laminse are corrugated and tortuous, it shows 
a beautiful finish, similar to bird's-eye maple. On Section 8, in Township 
5 N. R. 2 W. four miles north-east of Fairfield, there is a quarry of varie- 
gated marble, the coloring matter of which is for the most part oxide of iron. 



24 

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUim'. 



Hydraulic limestone, or cement rnpV ,-= -p j ■ 
near Benieia, and at th; bluron he nt^h ^e «; V '^^^^ " *'^ '^"^ 
Sulphur Spring Mountain i« ih I Carqumez Straits. 

of the great cfuieksi W to" InS c r^ "° °\ *'^ '^^™ '^^ ^^P'-^' -^ 
the most extensive beinlatlhe St John" '"''' .'''^''''' °^ --^bar-rock, 

lejo; the John Brownlie^ltsifmnes ea^I^o^f Tal^'^'^ ""T'^'' '' ""''■ 
localities show outcrops of this ro^k '^°' and various other 

along the slopes of thl,i!lge"P"^°° ''" ""^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ - -^ 
SPRINGS IN SOLANO COUNTY 

appreciated (or Ji^^^^lltZ""'"''' "'" ^''"''''' "= ""S-'^-S '^ "• 
SOIL OF SOLANO COUNTY 

"ith a large percentage of Drefemd L T '^ ""•""' """' 

leing tanmc acid of which ZITl M u , '""'"'"'' P««"-««ve agent 
when cut and dried Lttrntw T LT". "^r""'" ""' '"^ 
when reclaimed, there bein.. abo,?. ,lZ It 1 P""""" «'>°'><l«ntly 

»veral thousands nnderXalon'"^ °"'°'' """ '""''^ '"■ -^ 

« »i. witLnt ..cht rnifir 'n? oiChiS't: r °°^ - 

are excellent grain or cn-aTina Inr,^. t j ' V ^ ■ *° *^^ ^"™mit. 
abating iandf and ^^^^J^^IJr:^:!:^^:^^- 

THE VALLEYS OF SOLANO COUNTY 

^ .hrn«rr;irl':f Tht :^t'rht""r r^ "■°" '^^ '"^»f ^-^ 

Nap. bay washing i^Uo'eirl "S"°"'- '"-S a°<l three in breadtl, 
the Suscol hill, tor I'tT^Z^ "''"' ^■"'^•"'' """^ ">""8'' 

if^an. f J.,,ir bei^lTairfo^CJ '.^^3'^ "' "" ^'"-' 

bayiXa^'^f^jr::: y:i7 t -"''"■ -'' «--''-«- »* s-i^- 

the Sacrament,. ..IlItLl'j^'/C,:::^' ''^' '°'° "" ™'"^ °' 



OK 

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

into fcgveat Sacvamento Ya.n y^ "e Te altetion of all travde.-a. 
"ir:;:r;"r:i:r:rra: ..» e,e ^. .^^. a». . i. a fe, 

words the farmer's paradise. 

THE STREAMS OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

-srrrc:sT..s..^^;a*^^^^ 
irrrLa^:„rr.Tco^»-o :i,..eioi.of m.. p..,., 

and empties itself into Cache Sl^gh^^ ^^ ^i,,, „,3, „j y^eaville ; 

e„:X:.?rt=nt r ,r ^«». - -P- - - -- 

branch of Cache Slough. VacaviUe; runs in a south- 

ALAMO CREEK "^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ J^^^^^^ creek, near Binghampton. 
erlydirection^throughE^^^^^^ two miles west of Mr. K Miller s 

pJpX^:ItTnr:as;:iy direction through Pleasant valley, and 
empties into Putah creek. ^ south-easterly direction, 

jr;ies r rS^: SslXi'one and a half miles east of Bridge- 

^"green valley Creek rises in the south-west corner of Township 5 K 
B 2 W anTuls in a south-easterly course about eight miles, emptying into 
Cordelia slough, at Ih-idgeport. ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^.^ ,, 

ElkhL sloughs; Grizzly Slough, Roaring River in Montezuma township, 
with a host of others too insignificant to enumerate. 



" THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



ORGANIZATION. 

ORIGIN OF THE TOWNSHIP SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES-ITS EXTENSION 
TO CALIFORNIA-OEGANIZATION OF SOLANO COUNTY-TOWNSHIPS-BENICIA 
-VALLEJO-SUISUN-VACAVILLE-SILVEYVILLE-TREMONT-MAINE PRAI- 
RIE-RIO VISTA- MONTEZUMA -DENVERTON-ELMIRA-BENICIA THE 
COUNTY SEAT-REMOVAL TO FAIRFIELD-REMOVAL TO VALLEJO-BACK TO 
FAIRFIELD, ETC., ETC. 

_ The first organization of counties in the United States originated in Vir- 
ginia, her early settlers becoming proprietors of vast amounts of land liv- 
ing apart m patrician splendor, imperious in demeanor, aristocratic in feelinc. 

lfJ!u7 \^ """'T f^'^'"" '° '^' ^"^°""g P°^^°° «f the population- 
It wil thus be remarked that the materials for the creation of towns were 
not at hand, voters being but sparsely distributed over a great area The 
county organization was, moreover, in perfect accord with the traditions 
and memories of the judicial and social dignities of Great Britain in 
descent from whom they felt so much glory. In 1634, eight counties were 
established in. Virginia, a lead which was followed by the Southern and 
several of the Northern States, .save in those of South Carolina and Louis- 
iana, where districts were outlined in the former, and parishes, after the 
manner of the French, in the latter. 

In New England, towns were formed before counties, while counties were 
orgamzed before States. Originally, the to.vns or townships exercised all 
the powers of government swayed by a State. The powers afterward as- 
sumed bj the State governments were from surrender or delegation on the 
part of towns Counties were created to define the jurisdiction of Courts 
of Jastice. The formation of States was by a union of towns, wherein 
arose the representative system; each town being represented in the State 
Legislature, or General Court, by delegates chosen by the freemen of the 
town at their stated town meetings. The first town meeting of which we 
can find any direct evidence, was held by the congregation of the Plymouth 
colony, on March 23, 1621, for the purpose of perfecting military arrange- 
ments. At that meeting a Governor was elected for the ensuing year ■ and 
It IS noticed as a coincident, whether from that source or otherwise, that the 
annual town meetings in New England, and nearly all the other States 

in Ou^l*'^ *°^^^'"P ''-''- -- -'°P^^^ - ^ ^-- corporation 

^ The first legal enactment concerning this system provided that whereas • 

Particular towns have many things which concern only themselves, and 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 27 

the ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of business in their own 
towns ; therefore, the freemen of every town, or the major part of them, 
shall only have power to dispose of their own lands and woods, with all the 
appurtenances of said towns ; to grant lots, and to make such orders as may 
concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws 
and orders established by the General Court. They might also impose fines 
of not more than twenty shillings, and choose their own particular officers, 
as constables, sui'veyors for the highways, and the like." Evidently this 
enactment relieved the General Court of a mass of municipal details, with- 
out any danger to the powers of that body in controlling general measures 
of public policy. Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns 
was felt, for the control of their own home concerns. 

The New England colonies were first governed by a " general court," or 
legislature, composed of a Governor and Small Council, which court con- 
sisted of the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and exercised both 
legislative and judicial powers, which were limited only by the wisdom of 
the holders. They made laws, ordered their execution, elected their own 
officers, tried and decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of 
municipal regulations ; and, in fact, transacted all the business of the 
colony. 

This system, which was found to be eminently successful, became general, 
as territory was added to the Republic and States formed. Lesser divisions 
were in turn inaugurated and placed under the jurisdiction of special 
officers, whose numbers were increased as time developed a demand, until 
the sysucm of township organization in the United States to-day is a matter 
of just pride to her people. 

We will now consider this topic in regard to our special subject. 

On the acquisition of California by the Government of the United States, 
under a treaty of peace, friendship, limits and settlement with the Mexican 
Republic, dated Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, the boundaries of 
the State were defined. This treaty was ratified by the President of the 
United States, on March 16, 1848; exchanged at Queretaro, May 80, and 
finally promulgated July 4th, of the same year, by President Polk, and 
attested by Secretary of State. James Buchanan. In 1849, a Constitutional 
Convention was assembled in Monterey, and at the close of the session on 
October 12th, a proclamation, calling upon the people to form a government, 
was issued " to designate such officers as they desire to make and execute 
the laws ; that their choice may be wisely made, and that the Government 
so organized* may secure the permanent welfare and happiness of the people 
of the new State, is the sincere and earnest wish of the present executive, 
who if the Constitution be ratified, will, with pleasure, surrender his powers 
to whomsoever the people may designate as his successor." This historic 
document bore the signatures of " B. Riley, Bvt. Brig. Genl. U. S. A., and 



28 

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT. 



£=;:^r •™^^'" - — -H. W. Hanee, B., Cap. .. 

and Assembly Districts, while the Fi s s" ' '""'rT'"''' ^"^ ^-^^--^ 
began at San Jose on December 15 1840 ^ °^ *^^ legislature, which 

Act subdividing the State into o'u^ its a'nTestV^"^" ''' '''''"^^ 
therem." The boundaries of Solano counttt ''^"'^^f ^"^ «^^t« of justice 

" Beginning at the mouth .TT ^ ^""^ ^' ^o^^o^s : 

its channel to the ^o^^h^^oV hf lur^tee^ T"^' "^ ''' ^^^^"^ °^ 
creek to the eastern boundary line of Nam T" '°"°"''^-^ "^^ ^^^'^ 

boundary line to the northeasf corner of S '°"^^' *^'"'^ "^°^^ '^^^d 
Ime to the nearest point of Putah creel . t^ ""T'^' ^'^^^^^ '^ ^ ^^--^ 
creek to its termination in the Tule ^sh T "° *'^ "^'^'^ °^ -^^ 
head of Merritt's slouo-h • thence I il ' *^''''='^ ^° ^ direct line to the 
-outh; thence down tL midCf Sa^am r''^' "' '''' ^^^^^ *° its 
down the middle of Suisun btto the Sr,' Tn'' ''' "^-^^^^ *h-- 
through the middle of said 22. *^^ J'traits of Carquinez; and thence 
-t-^t''-'''^'^^^^^^^^^^ of beginning." I. .J 

^--::5;:j;t?-sn::enm^^^^^ 

power it had not been interfered with t th^r "'''"f " '^™^^ *'-- 
bu retained the official nomenclatUr givL t Xl"'^ of American rule, 
^ W, the gove^ment was administid I X Z^r^^^ ^^ 

tolM;?^/:X^^;rii^:i-- 1 ^-* ^-^^-^ «°^- mto 

wherein two Justices'lf the^'ac ^l w'p /.^^ '^'^™^"^ *^^ ^-its 
at an election to be held on Mr^ 1850 tT '' ''°"^^' ^^ ^^^^ ^0^ 
ation reads : ■■ The line of division cornm T f ^^'"''*^"^ *^^^ ^imidi- 

, and running thence in a direct "e to sTc?"^ rV'^^' ^"^^"'^ embarcadero 
Suscol ranch; thenee down slcol creetTN'" \ "^^ ^' "^^* ^^ -'^ed 
creek to the middle channel of CaTqute. s^XTh ' *'"^\'^^ ^^^^ 
Carqumez straits to Suisun bav ..1 . ' """'^ "P the middle of 

thence up the middle channel of t^^eSul^T °^P°''*' ^^' embarcadero; 
the place of beginning; and' t fu the , '^ ^^ ''' ^"''^"^ embarcadero ' 
composed within the^oundari Ibove IttT. ^' *'^ ''^'"^"^ °^ --ty 
as Benicia township, and tha a" re?due"o?;h .'"^^'^^'^ ^^^ ^--- 
iy^ng between said boundary line of B nl . f "'"'"^ °^ '^^^'i ^«"°ty 

W of said county, in every di^eetl be °""1"P "°<^ *^^ boundary 

township." y ^""'^^^o"' be known and designated as Suisun 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 29 

consisted of the County Judge, who should preside at its sessions, assisted 
by two Justices of the Peace of the county as Associate Justices, they being 
chosen by their brother justices from out of the whole number elected for 
the county. The duties imposed upon this organization were multifarious. 
They made such orders respecting the property of the county as they 
deemed expedient, in conformity with any law of the State, and in them 
were vested the care and preservation of such property. They examined, 
settled, and allowed all accounts chargeable against the county ; directed 
the raising of such sums for the defraying of all expenses and charges 
against the county ; by means of taxation on property, real and personal, 
such not to exceed, however, the one-half of the tax levied by the State on 
such property ; to examine and audit the accounts of all officers having the 
care, management, collection, and disbursement of any money belonging to 
the county, or appropviated by law, or otherwise, for its use and benefit. 
In them was the power of control and management of public roads, turn- 
pikes, ferries, canals, roads, and bridges within the county, where the law 
did not prohibit such jurisdiction, and made such orders as should be neces- 
sary and requisite to cany such control and management into effect ; to 
divide the county into townships, and to create new townships, and change 
the division of the same as the convenience of the county should require, 
was among their duties. They established and changed election precincts ; 
controlled and managed the property, real and personal, belonging to the 
county, and purchased and received donations of property for the use of 
the county, with this proviso, that they should not have the power to pur- 
chase any real or personal property, except such as should be absolutely 
necessary for the use of the county. To sell and cause to be conveyed, any 
real estate, goods, or chattels belonging to the county, appropriating the 
proceeds of such sale to the use of the same. To cause to be erected and 
furnished, a court-house, jail, and other buildings, and to see that the same 
be kept in repair, and otherwise to perform all such other duties as should 
be necessary to the full discharge of the powers conferred on such court. 
Terms were ordered to be held on the second Monday of February, April, 
June, August, October, and December, with quarterly sessions on the third 
Monday of February, May, August, and November of each year. 

In conformity with this enactment, the court held a special term on 
March 13th, 1851, when it was decreed that Benicia township, which was 
of an unwieldy size, should be divided into two portions, the division line 
to commence where the western corner of the town tract of Benicia strikes 
the bay, thence to the north-western corner of said town tract of Benicia, 
thence due north to the boundary line of the county of Solano, and all the 
territory lying east of said division line, shall hereafter be known as 
Benicia township ; and all the territory lying west of said division line shall 
hereafter be known as Vallejo township. This is the first mention we 



30 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

have of the Vall^jo township; at the time, the city of that name was 
known as Eden, but on account of the strenuous efforts made by General 
Vallejo to have the seat of government removed thither from San Jose, the 
claims of the spot made itself felt, and it was therefore given township 
rights. 

In 1852 emigration had set into the fertile valley of the county ; it was 
therefore found necessary to apportion once more the large extent of terri- 
tory comprised in the Suisun township into two divisions ; to this end, the 
Court of Sessions, at a special term held at Benicia on November 1st, 
directed that Suisun should be partitioned off into two townships, the lines 
to run as follows : " Commencing at the southwest points of the Potrero 
Hills ; thence in a direct line to the branch opposite (on the west side) the 
house of Mr. Cutler ; thence up said branch to its source ; thence in a north- 
west direction to the county line, and all the coimty east of said line, and 
south and south-west of Putah creek, is called Vacaville township. With 
this last apportionment, Solano county was divided into four parts, but 
still it was found to be of too vast proportions for official purposes ; there- 
fore, we find the court once more holding a sederunt, on August 8th, 1853, 
and establishing a new township, to be taken off those of Benicia and 
Suisun. The limits were described and designated as follows : 

" To commence at the Tule, on the southwest end of Mr. Thompson's 
farm, and running in a direct line to the Jerry House, as it is called, on the 
south-west edge of Green Valley ; thence following the edge of the Tule, 
east to the mouth of the Suisun creek ; thence up said creek to the cross- 
ing of the county road, near L. Alford's ; thence along said road west to the 
house of Mr. S. Martin ; thence due north to the county line ; thence fol- 
lovnng said county line west to place of beginning." This tract was named 
the Green Valley Township. , 

Affairs had not yet, however, righted themselves ; the districts were still 
too unwieldy in size. A further contraction had therefore to be inaug- 
urated ; hence we find the Court of Session ordering, on August 15th, 1854, 
that Solano county shall be divided into townships, as follows : 

MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP. 

" A new township is hereby created and established, to be called Mont*' 
zuma township, which said township is designated and bound as follows : 
Commencing at a point in Suisim bay, where the meridian line running 
north from "Monte Diablo crosses the line of Solano county; thence north 
with the meridian line to the north-east corner of Section 25 of Township 
5 N. R. 1 W. according to the government survey ; thence due east to 
Cache Creek Slough, or the eastern boun dary of the county or Cache 
Creek slough to the Sacramento river ; thence down said river and Suisun 
bay with the line of the county to the place of beginning." 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 31 



SUISUN TOWNSHIP. 



" And the township heretofore known as Suisun township is hereby 
changed in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description, 
to-wit : Commencing at the point where the meridian line running north 
from Monte Diablo crosses the county line of said county ; thence north 
with said line to the north-east corner of Section 25 of Township 5 
N. R. I W. thence in a direct line to the white point of Long's mountain ; 
thence in a direct line to the residence of E. B. Witt, including his resi- 
dence ; thence in the same direction to a direct line to the northern 
boundary of the said county ; thence with said northern boundary in 
a westerly direction to the foot of the hills on the west side of Suisun 
creek; thence down said creek along the foot of said hills to a point 
opposite the residence of William B. Brown, in Suisun Valley; thence 
down the middle of Suisun creek to its mouth; thence continuing the 
same general course to the southern boundary of the county in Suisun bay; 
thence up said bay with the line of the county to the point of beginning." 

GREEN VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 

" And the township known as Green Valley township is hereby changed 
in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : 
Commencing at the mouth of Suisun creek and running from thence up 
the middle of said creek to a point opposite the residence of William B. 
Brown; from thence in a northerly direction running with the foot of the 
hills on the west side of Suisun creek to the boundary line between 
Solano and Napa counties; thence in a south-west direction, following said 
boundary line to the point where the public road leading from Benicia to 
Napa City crosses Suscol creek ; thence easterly to the house near the tule 
on Suisun bay, and on the road leading from Benicia to Suisun Valley, 
known as the ' Jerry House ; ' thence east to the county line in Suisun bay 
to the southwest corner of Suisun township ; thence in a direct line to the 
mouth of Suisun creek, the place of beginning." 

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

" And the township known as Vacaville township is hereby changed 
in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : 
commencing at the north-east comer of Section 25 of Township 5 N. R. 
1 W. according to the government survey, being the north-west corner of 
Montezuma township, running from thence to the white point on Long's 
mountain ; thence in a direct line to the residence of E. B. Witt ; thence 
in the same direction in a direct line with the eastern boundary of Suisun 
township to the northern boundary of the county ; thence north-easterly 
with the boundary of the county to Putah creek ; thence down said creek 



Si THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

to its sink in the tule, and continuing with the Hue of the county in a 
south-easterly direction to a point due east of the point of beginning ; 
thence west to the point of beginning." 

BENICIA TOWNSHIP. 

" And the township known as Benicia township is hereby changed in its 
boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : commenc- 
ing at the south-west corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple 
and Thomas 0. Lai-kin, from M. G. Vallejo, and on a part of which is situ- 
ated the city of Benicia ; from thence with the western boundary of said 
tract of land to the north-west corner of the same ; from thence due north to 
the line of Green Valley township ; thence in a south-easterly direction on 
said boundary line to the ' Jerry House,' so called, near the tule on Suisun 
bay ; thence due east to the boundary line of the county in Suisun bay ; 
thence down said bay and the Straits of Carquinez to a point due south of 
the point of beginning ; thence due north to the point of beginning." 

VALLEJO TOWNSHIP. 

" And the township known as Vallejo township is hereby changed in its 
boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : commenc- 
ing at the south-west corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple 
and Thomas 0. Larkin, from M. G. Vallejo, and commonly known as the 
Benicia tract ; thence with the western boundary line of said tract to the 
northwest comer of the same ; thence due north to the boundary line of 
Green Valley township ; thence in a north-westerly direction with said 
boundary line of Green Valley township to the boundary line between 
Solano and Napa counties, at the point where the public road crosses the 
Suscol creek ; thence with said creek to Napa bay ; thence down said bay 
and up the Straits of Carquinez, including Mai-e Island, to the southwest 
corner of Benicia township ; thence due north to the place of beginning." 

In 1855 a change had come o'er the spirit of the governmental dream of 
the county. The Court of Session was abolished and an Act passed on 
March 20th, entitled " An Act to create a Board of Supervisors in the 
counties of this State, and to define their duties and powers." For better 
reference the ninth section of the above Act is quoted in full : " The Board 
of Supervisors shall have power and jurisdiction in their respective counties: 
First, to make orders respecting the property of the county, in conformity 
with any law of this State, and to take care of and preserve such property. 
Second, to examine, settle, and allow all accounts legally chargeable against 
the county, and to levy, for the purposes prescribed by law, such amount of 
taxes on the assessed value of real and personal property in the county, as 
may be authorized by law : provided the salary of the County Judge need 




^^ffi^^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 33 

not be audited by the Board ; but the County Auditor shall, on the first 
judicial day of each month, draw his warrant on the County Treasurer in 
favor of the County Judge for the amount due such judge as salary, for the 
month preceding. Third, to examine and audit the accounts of all officers 
having the care, management, collection or disbursement of any money 
belonging to the county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use 
and beneiit. Fourth, to lay out, control and manage public roads, turnpikes, 
ferries, and bridges within the county, in all cases where the law does not 
prohibit such jurisdiction, and to make such orders as may be requisite and 
necessary to carry its control and management into effect. Fifth, to take 
care of and provide for the indigent sick of the county. Sixth, to divide 
the county into townships, and to change the divisions of the same, and to 
create new townships, as the convenience of the county may require. 
Seventh, to establish and change election precincts, and to apjioint inspectors 
and judges of elections. Eighth, to control and manage the property, real 
and personal, belonging to the county, and to receive by donation any pro- 
perty for the use and benefit of the county. Ninth, to lease or to purchase 
any real or j)ersonal property necessary for the use of the county; provided 
no purchase of real property shall be made unless the value of the same be 
previously estimated by three disinterested persons, to be appointed for that 
purpose by the County Judge. Tenth, to sell at public auction, at the 
Court-house of the county, after at least thirty days' previous public notice, 
and cause to be conveyed, any property belonging to the county, appropri- 
ating the proceeds of such sale to the use of the same. Eleventh, to cause 
to be erected and furnished, a court-house, jail, and such other public build- 
ings as may be necessary, and to keep the same in repair ; provided that the 
contract for building the court-house, jail, and such other public buildings, 
be let out at least after thirty days' previous public notice, in each case, of a 
readiness to receive proposals therefor, to the lowest bidder, who will give 
good and sufficient security for the completion of any contract which he 
may make respecting the same ; but no bid shall be accepted which the 
Board may deem too high. Twelfth, to control the prosecution and defense 
of all suits to which the county is a party. Thirteenth, to do any and per- 
form all such other acts and things as may be strictly necessary to the full 
discharge of the powers and jurisdiction conferred on the Board. To these 
various duties, in themselves of a most difficult nature, were added the oner- 
ous responsibilities of canvassers of election returns the investigation of 
bonds required to be given by newly elected officers, and a general superin- 
tendence of all the monetary transactions in which the county, through her 
officers, has any interest. The members of these supervisors were three, and 
held their first meeting at Benicia, on May 7, 1855. 

On August 11th, 1855, the Board of Supervisors directed that yet another 
township) be formed, to be named 

3 



34 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

TREMONT TOWNSHIP, 
to be made, formed, and constituted on Putah creek, in Solano county, 
bounded as follows, to-wit : commencing at and including the farm of Mr. 
Priddy, on Putali creek, about two miles above the crossing of said creek, 
near Manuel Vaca's; thence running south on the township line to the inter- 
section of the dividing line between Montezuma and Vacaville townships ; 
thence east to the boundary line of Solano county ; thence in a northerly 
direction, following the boundary line of Solano county, to the sink of Putah 
creek; thence up Putah creek to the place of beginning. The county was 
now divided into seven townships, and on August 21, were apportioned into 
supervisorial districts, as under: 

District No. 1, comprised the town.ships of Vallejo and Benicia. 
District No. 2, comprised the townships of Green Valley and Suisun. 
District No. 3, comprised the townships of Vacaville, Montezuma, and 
Tremont. 

In the following years the upper part of the county had become thickly 
populated, while the towns of Suisun and Fairfield had commenced to 
spring into prominence, and some feeling had begun to evince itself in res- 
pect to a new location for the county seat. Benicia was found to be at too 
great a distance from the townships of Vacaville and Tremont ; a more cen- 
tral position was therefore sought, and a County Seat Convention was 
formed, which, having appointed delegates to canvass the matter, held a 
meeting, a report of which is now extracted from the Solano County Herald, 
of August 14th, 1858. 

COUNTY SEAT CONVENTION. 

Pursuant to notice, the delegates elected met at Suisun City, August 7, 
1858, for the purpose of selecting some suitable and central location, to be 
voted for at the next election, for the County Seat of Solano County. 

" The convention organized by electing the following temporary officers : 
H. G. Davidson, President ; Phillip Palmer, Vice-President ; Geo. A. Gilles- 
pie and H. B. Amnions, Secretaries. 

" Upon motion of A. M. Stevenson, the Chair appointed a committee on 
credentials, one from each township. The committee consisted of P. Palmer, 
E. A. Townsend, Wm. G. Fore, Samuel Martin, and R. S. Phelps. Having 
retired for a few moments they returned into the convention and reported 
the following named gentlemen as duly elected delegates to this convention: 

"Suisun Town,ship.— Phillip Palmer, R. D. Pringle, H. Russell, P. 0. 
Clayton, John Wayman, John Smithers, John A. Payton, V. Hawkins, 
Frank Aldridge, and J. P. McKissick. 

" Vacaville Township.— H. B. Ammons, F. J. Bartlett, W. G. Fore, H. G. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 35 

Davidson, E. L. Bennett, E. S. Silvey, Mason Wilson, J. M. Dudley, J. W. 
Anderson, and Geo. A. Gilleepie. 

" Montezuma Township. — E. A. Towmsend, C. J. Collins, and John B. 
Carrington. 

" Tremont Township.— R. S. Phelps and J. B. Tufts. 

Green Valley Township. — G. B. Stevenson, A. M. Stevenson, Samuel G. 
Martin, W. P. Durbin. 

" Upon motion, report received and committee discharged. 

" On motion of A. M. Stevenson, the temporary officers were declared the 
permanent officers of the convention. The following resolution was then 
offered and adopted : 

"Resolved, That we, the delegates assembled in convention, for the pur- 
pose of selecting a suitable location, to be voted for at the next annual 
election, hereby pledge our votes and influence for whatever place the 
convention may select. 

" The follo'W'ing places were put in nomination : Mr. Stevenson nominated 
Fairfield ; Mr. Palmer, Suisun City ; Mr. Bartlett, Vacaville ; Mr. Carring- 
ton, Denverton. 

" The following propositions were submitted in writing to the convention : 
Suisun City, through Mr. A. P. Jackson, proposed giving So, .550 in money 
and a certain lot 100 by 120 feet, known as ' Owen's Tavern Stand.' He 
offered to enter into good and sufficient bonds for the performance of the 
same, pro\dded the county seat should be located at Suisun City. 

" Fairfield, through Mr. R. H. Waterman, proposed, in case the county 
seat should be located at that place, to deed to the Board of Supervisors of 
Solano county a certain piece of land containing about sixteen acres, known 
upon the plat of the town of Faii-field as ' Union Park ;' also, four blocks, 
each block containing twelve lots, to be selected as follows : two from the 
north and two from the south, or, two from the east and two from the west 
of ' Union Park ;' he offering to enter into bonds for the performance of the 
same. 

" Vacaville, through Mason Wilson, offered to give four blocks of lots, 
§1,000 in money, provided the county seat should Vje located there. 

" Denverton, (Nurse's Landing) through Mr. Carrington, proposed to run 
upon its own merits. After a long and animated discussion, the convention 
proceeded to take the vote, when Mr. Clayton, of Suisun, was appointed 
teller to assist the secretaries. The Chair announced the result to he as 
follows : 

" Fairfield, sixteen votes ; Suisun City, twelve votes ; Denverton, one 
vote. WTiereupon Fairfield was declared the unanimous choice of the con- 



36 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

vention. Upon motion of G. A. Gillespie, a committee of five, consisting of 
one from each township, were elected to act in connection with the Board 
of Supervisors in receiving proper bonds from Mr. Waterman for the faith- 
ful performance of his proposition. This committee consisted of Phillip 
Palmer, Mason Wilson, J. B. Tufts, J. B. Carrington, and A. M. Stevenson. 

" Upon motion, it was resolved that the ' Solano County Herald ' be 
requested to publish the proceedings of the convention. 

"Upon motion, the convention adjourned sine die. 

H. G. Davidson, President. 

Geo. a. Gillespie, Ig,.,, 

H. B. Ammons, I ^secretaries. 

In pursuance of Mr. Gillespie's motion Mr. R. H. Waterman entered into 
the following bond : " Know all men by these presents, that I, Robert H. 
Waterman, of Fairfield, in the county of Solano, and State of California, am 
held and firmly bound unto the Supervisors of Solano county, in the sum 
of ten thousand dollars lawful money of the United States, for which pay- 
ment will and truly be made. I bind myself, my heirs, executors, and 
administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with ray seal and dated 
the twelfth day of August, 1858. 

" The condition of this obligation is such, that whereas, the said Robert 
H. Waterman did agree to donate to the county of Solano, for the use of 
the people thereof, free of charge or cost, the following described land, 
situated in the town of Fairfield, county of Solano, State of California, and 
further described as Union Park, a public square in the town of Fairfield, 
and also four blocks, containing each twelve lots adjoining said park, 
according to plat of said town, as surveyed by E. H. D'Hemecourt, County 
Surveyor; these blocks to be selected by the Supervisors of the county, 
either on the north, east or south side of said park ; and further, the said 
park shall be kept open and free for the use of the public ; and further, the 
proceeds of sales of the four blocks shall be appropriated to the erection of 
the public buildings of the county ; and further, that the County seat of 
Solano county shall be lawfully located at Fairfield. 

Now, therefore, if the said county seat of Solano county shall be lawfully 
located at said town at the coming election in September next, after date 
hereof, and if the said Robert H. Waterman shall, and does procure and 
deliver to the Supervisors of said county a good and suflicient deed to the 
said Union Park and lots herein described, according to the conditions of 
this obligation, then, and in that case, the above obligation shall be void; 
otherwise, of full force. 

(Signed) R. H. Waterman. [seal."] 

On the second day of September, 1858, the general election took place, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 37 

when the following locations for the county seat were put forth for candi- 
dature, with the following result : 

Total votes cast 1,730 

Number of votes for Benicia 625 

Fairfield 1,029 

" " Denverton 38 

Vallejo 10 

Rockville 2 

" " Suisun 26 

Total votes 1,730 

The consequence, therefore, was the triumph of Fairfield over Benicia. 
It is supposed, and with much reason, that Vallejo in her inmost heart had 
long borne a grudge against Benicia, for having in 1852 deprived her of the 
capital and its attendant glories ; now, there opened a chance for vengeance, 
and the votes of the Vallejoites went to swell the list of the voters for 
Fairfield, notwithstanding that by so doing they moved the county seat 
further away from them than if they had permitted it to remain at Benicia. 
In this regard, the Solano Herald, then published in that city, announces 
the disaster in these words : 

" In every general engagement, however glorious the bulletin of factory, 
there necessarily follows the melancholy supplement of casualties. 

In the list of killed and wounded in Wednesday's battle, our eye falls 
mournfully on the name of Benicia — Benicia ! the long suflfering, mortally 
wounded, if not dead — killed by Vallejo's unsparing hand ! That the 
people of Suisun and the adjoining region should have desired a removal of 
the county seat, was by no means surprising; but Vallejo ! et tu Brute! 
In the house of our friends we were wounded. 

While we hold in grateful remembrance the majority of the citizens of 
Vallejo, let us not forget those aspiring gentlemen who dealt us the deadly 
blow. ' Lord keep our memory green,' for good and evil. " 

The grass was not allowed to grow under the feet of the Supervisors. 
In October following, a brick building erected at Fairfield, by Captain 
Waterman, for County Clerk and Treasm-er's offices, was completed and 
handed over to them, and at once occupied ; while at the Board meeting 
held January 22, 1859, Mr. Waterman's bond, quoted above, with all its 
provisions, was accepted. Tenders were at once advertised for to construct 
the necessary edifices, when, at a Supervisoral sederunt held on Mai'ch 14th 
of that year, the undermentioned bids were ratified : 

For Court-house and Jail, Larkin Richardson .... $24,440 00 
For Court-house for temporary use of County. . . . 1,373 00 



38 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

And on September 1st, the county buildings were handed over to the 
Board of Supervisors. 

In 1862 "An Act to organize townships and regulate their powers and 
duties, and submit the same to the vote of the people," was approved by 
the Legislature on May 15th. The provisions of the act were that town- 
ships should be corporate bodies and have capacity : 

First — To sue and be sued in the manner prescribed by law. 

Second — To purchase and hold lands within its own limits for the use of 
its inhabitants, and for the promotion of education wdthin the limits of the 
township. 

Third — To make such contracts, and to purchase and hold such personal 
property as may be necessary to the exercise of its corporate and adminis- 
trative powers. 

Fourth — To make such orders for the disposition, regulation or use of its 
corporate property as may be deemed conducive to the interests of its 
inhabitants. 

The corporate powers and duties of these townships were to be vested in 
a Board of Trustees, to consist of three qualified electors of the township, 
to be voted for by qualified electors within said township, when, at the 
same time, were to be elected certain officers for especial service within the 
township. Such trustees were to be endowed with powers appertaining to 
the peace, order and good government of the townships to which they were 
chosen by the public vote, and were to collect taxes, which were to be paid 
into the ofilce of the County Treasurer. The Act was ordered to be sub- 
mitted to a vote of the people at the general election. In those counties in 
which the afiirmative should have the majority, the law should take effect ; 
but in those (like Solano, where the majority against it was sixty-one) in 
which the negative has the preponderance of votes, the act should not 
apply or be in force. 

At the same election, September 3, 18G2, the proposed amendments to 
the Constitution of California, suggested in the following : 

Article IV — The Legislative Department. 
" V — The Executive Department. 

'• VI — The Judicial Department. 

" IX — Education. 

were put to the popular voice, with the result as stated below : 

Yes 4,800 

No 657 

Majority for the yeas 4,143 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 39 

On August 12, 1863, a petition from 0. Bingham and others was pre- 
sented to the Board of Supervisors, when, in conformity with the prayer 
tlierein set forth, it was ordered that a new township be formed, to be 
called 

MAINE PRAIRIE, 

to be bounded as follows, to wit : commencing at the corners of Sections 
7, 8, 17 and 18, in Township 5 N. R. 1 E. of Monte Diablo meridian, and 
running thence north to the corners of Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, in Township 
6 N. R. 1 E.; thence running east to the eastern limit of Solano county, on 
the line between ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said line south to the 
township line between Townships 5 and 6 north ; thence with said line 
east, to the centre of Sacramento river, the eastern limit of Solano county ; 
thence down Saci'amento river and Steamboat or Merritt slough to where 
the line between townships 4 and 5 crosses said slough ; thence with said 
line west to the centre of Cache Creek slough ; thence up said slough to 
the mouth of Linda slough to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence 
with said line north to the north-west corner of Section 18, in Township 
5 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west to the place of beginning. 

SUISUN TOWNSHIP. 

The township heretofore known as Suisun township, is hereby changed to 
conform to the following description, to-wit : beginning at a point on the 
southern boundary of Solano county, in Suisun bay, where a section line 
two inches west of the meridian line, passing over Monte Diablo and run- 
ning with said line north to the township line between townships 5 and 6 
north ; thence with said line west to the east boundary of Green Valley 
township, as jjreviously established ; thence with said boundary, southerly, 
to the south boundary of the county, in Suisun bay ; thence with said 
boundary, easterly, to the place of beginning. 

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

The township heretofore knoAvn as Vacaville township is hereby changed 
to conform to the following description, to wit : commencing at a point on 
the Putah creek whei'e the line between ranges 1 and 2 east, crosses said 
creek, and running thence with said range line south to the southeast 
corner of Section 1, Township 6 N. R. 1 E. ; thence west to corners of 
sections 5, 6 and 7 and 8 of said township and range ; thence south to 
the corners of Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, in Township 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence 
west to the corner of Sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, in Township 5 N. R. 
1 W. ; thence north to the township line between townships 5 and 6 
north ; thence with said line west to the western boundary of Solano 



40 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

county, on the ridge of the Vaca mountains ; thence northerly with said 
ridge to the centre of Putah creek ; thence down said creek, and following 
its sinuosities to the place of beginning. 

MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP. 

The township heretofore known as Montezuma township, is hereby 
changed to conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : commencing on 
the south line of the county of Solano, in Suisun bay, where the section 
lines two miles west of the meridian line passing on Monte Diablo would 
intersect said limit, and running thence north to the north-west corner of 
section number 14, in Township 5 N. R. 1 W. ; running thence east to 
the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence south on said line until it 
intersects the first slough or fork of Linda slough ; thence down said slough 
to Cache Creek slough ; thence down Cache Creek slough to where the line 
between townships numbers 4 and 5 north, intersects said slough ; thence 
with said line east to the eastern boundary of the county, on Steamboat, or 
Merritt slough ; thence with said boundary and following its sinuosities to 
the place of beginning. 

TEEMONT TOWNSHIP. 

The township heretofore known as Tremont township, is hereby changed 
to conform to the following description : commencing at the south-west 
corner of Section number 6, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. of the meridian and 
base of Monte Diablo, and running thence north on the line between 
ranges 1 and 2 east, to the centre of Putah Creek, the northern limit of 
Solano county ; thence with said limit eastward, to the eastern limit of said 
county, in the line between ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said limit 
south, to the south-east comer of Section number 1, in Township 6 N. 
R. 2 E. ; thence east to the place of beginning. 

There was still some difficulty in conforming the townships into some- 
thing like natural and equable divisions ; the supervisors, therefore, on 
February 6, 1866, ordered " that the follo-«-ing described portion of Tre- 
mont townshijj be set off and attached to Vacaville township, and the bound- 
aries of said townships hereafter shall conform to this change. Said por- 
tion is described as follows : beginning on the eastern boundary line of 
said Vacaville Township 7 N. R. 2 E., and running thence eaSt on the 
Government line two miles ; thence north six miles ; thence west two miles, 
to the north-west comer of said township 7, on said boundary line of said 
Vacaville township, and thence south on said line six miles to the point of 
beginning. 

On June 27th of the same year the county was again distributed into 
townships, as under : 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 41 

BENICIA TOWNSHIP. 

The township known as Benicia township is hereby laid down so as to 
conform to the following boundaries, to wit : commencing at the south-west 
corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple and Thomas 0. Larkin 
from M. G. Vallejo, and on a part of which is situated the city of Benicia, 
from thence with the western boundary of said tract of land to the north- 
west corner of the same ; thence in an easterly direction to where the line 
of said tract intersects the boundary of the stone purchase known as the 
stone line ; thence along said stone line in a northerly direction until the 
same intersects the north line of Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W. ; thence 
east on north line of Sections 31 and 32, Township 4 N. R. 2 W., contin- 
uing east to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough to Suisun slough ; 
thence do'WTi Suisun slough to Suisun bay; thence down said bay and 
Straits of Carquinez to a point due south of the point of beginning. 

VALLEJO TOWNSHIP. 

The township known as Vallejo township is hereby laid down so as to 
conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : commencing at the south-west 
corner of a certain tract of land purchased by Robert Semple and Thomas 
0. Larkin from M. G. Vallejo, and commonly known as the Benicia tract ; 
thence with the western boundary line of said tract to the north-west corner 
of the same ; thence easterly to where the line of said tract intersects the 
boundary of the stone purchase known as the stone line ; thence along said 
stone line in a northerly direction until the same intersects the north line of 
Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W. ; thence west on said north line 
to the intersection of said line with the boundary line of Napa and Solano 
counties ; thence south along said county boundary line to a mound of stones 
established by R. Norris ; thence due west along said boundary line between 
Nlapa and Solano counties to Napa bay ; thence down said bay and up the 
Straits of Carquinez, including Mare Island, to the south-west corner of 
Benicia township ; thence due north to the place of beginning. 

GREEN VALLEY. 

The township known as Green Valley township, is hereby laid down so 
as to conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : Commencing at a rock 
mound on the crest of hills on Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W. 
established by R. Norris for a boundary between Napa and Solano counties ; 
thence northerly along the boundary line of said counties, to the north line 
of Township 5 N. R. 3 W. ; thence east along said township line to the 
dividing ridge running to the peak called " Twin Sisters ;" thence south- 
erly along said divide to Suisun creek, passing on the line of A. Blake and 
William Brown's land ; thence down said creek to the south-east corner of 



42 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Hiram Macy's land ; thence south to the north line of Section 16, To^wnshid 
4 N. R. 2 W. ; thence west to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough 
to the north line of Sections 31 and 32, Township 4 N. R. 2 W. ; thence 
west along said north line to the boundary line of Solano and Napa 
counties. 

SUISUN TOWNSHIP. 

The township known as Suisun township is hereby laid down so as to 
conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : Beginning at the mouth of 
Cordelia slough, thence up said slough to a point due west of the north line 
of Section 16, Township 4 N. R. 2 W. ; thence east to a point due south 
of the south-east corner of Hiram Macy's land ; thence north to the 
mouth of the Suisun creek ; thence up said creek to the line of Alexander 
Blake's and William Brown's land ; thence northerly along the ridge or 
divide running to the peaks called " Twin Sisters ;" thence northerly 
along said divide to the county line ; thence easterly along the county line 
to the top of the ridge at the south-east corner of Napa county ; thence 
easterly on the boundary of the Armijo rancho to the north-east corner of 
Section 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence south on section lines to the 
main Suisun bay ; thence westerly along said bay to the mouth of Sui- 
sun creek ; thence up said creek to the mouth of Cordelia slough, the place 
of beginning. 

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as the Vacaville township, 
commencing at the north-east comer of Section 18, Township 5 N. R. 1 
E. ; thence west on section lines to the south-west corner of Section 3, 
Township 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence north to the north-east comer of Section 
3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W ; thence west on the township line to the 
boundary of the Armijo rancho at the north-west comer of said township ; 
thence north and west, following said boundary to the coimty line at the 
south-east corner of Napa county ; thence northerly along the boundary 
between Napa and Solano counties to Putah creek ; thence down said creek 
to a point one mile west of Mount Diablo meridian ; thence south on section 
lines to the south-west corner of Section number 1, Township 6 N. R. 1 
W. ; thence east two miles ; thence south to the place of beginning. 

SILVEYVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as the Silvey^^lle township, 
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the south- 
east corner of Section number 5, To-miship 6 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west 
to the south-west comer of Section number 1, To^miship 6 N. R. 1 W. ; 
thence north to the county line, centre of Putah creek ; thence easterly 
down said creek to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence south on 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 43 

said line to the northwest corner of Section 7, TowTiship 7 N. R. 2 E. ; 
thence east to the north-east corner of Section number 8, Township 7 
N. R. 2 E. ; thence south to the place of beginning. 

TREMONT TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as Tremont township, and 
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the south-east 
corner of Section number 5, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. ; thence north six 
miles to the south-east corner of Section number 5, Township 7 N. R. 2 
E. ; thence west two miles to the line between ranges 1 and^2 E. ; 
thence north to the centre of Putah creek at the county line ; thence 
easterly down said creek to the east line of the county on the line between 
ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said line south to the south-east corner of 
Section 1, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west to the place of beginning. 

MAINE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as Maine Prairie township, 
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the north- 
west corner of Section 17, Township 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence north to the 
north-west corner of Section 8, Township 6 N. R. IE.; thence easi to 
the east line of Solano county ; then with the said county line south to 
the line between townships 5 and 6 north ; thence along sai 1 line east to 
the north-west corner of Section number 4, Township 5 N. R. 3 E. ; thence 
south to the southwest corner of Section number 21, Township 5 N. R. 
3 E. ; thence west to Prospect slough ; then up Cache slough to Linda 
slough; then up Linda slough to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east; 
thence north on said line to the north-west corner of Section number 18, 
Township 5 N . R. 2 E. ; tj^ence west to the place of beginning. 

RIO VISTA TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as Rio Vista township, and 
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Commencing on the Sacra- 
mento river at the point where the section line, one mile east of the 
township line between Townships 1 and 2 east, intersect the river ; thence 
running north on said line until it intersects Linda slough ; thence down 
said slough to Cache slough ; thence down said slough to Prospect slough ; 
thence up Prospect slough to the section line of Section 17, Township 5 
N. R. 3 E.; thence east to the south-east corner of said section; thence 
north on said section line to the Yolo county line ; thence east on said 
county line to the Sacramento river; thence down the river to the place 
of begiiming. 



44 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP. 



That a township be established to be known as Montezuma township, 
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at the 
Sacramento river on the line between ranges 1 and 2 east, Mount Diablo 
meridian ; thence down said river and Suisun bay to the line between 
Sections 22 and 23, Township 3 N. R. 1 W. ; thence north on section lines 
to the north-west corner of Section number 35, Township 4 N. R. 1 W.; 
thence east to the north-west comer of Section 32, R. 2 E. ; thence south 
to the Sacramento river ; thence down said river to the place of beginning. 

DENVERTON TOWNSHIP. 

That a township be established to be known as Denverton township, and 
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the north- 
west comer of Section number 32, Township 4 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west on 
section lines to the north-west comer of Section 35, Township 4 N. R. 1 
W. ; thence north to the north-west corner of Section number 14, town- 
ship 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence east to the north-west comer of Section number 
18, Township 5 N. R. 2 E.; thence south to the south fork of Linda slough; 
thence down said slough to the east line of Section number 19, Township 5 
N. R. 2 E. ; thence south to the place of beginning. 

The western boundary line of this township was, however, subsequently 
changed on May 4, 1868, to the Mount Diablo meridian line, and on 
November 10, 1870, it was ordered by the Board of Supervisors that 
" Robinson's Island, and being a portion of Sections numbers 3 and 24, in 
Township 4 N. R. 1 W., Meridian of Mount Diablo, be and is set over as 
part of Denverton township," while on May 22, of the following year the 
under mentioned district was planned and authorized. 

ELMIRA TOWNSHIP. • 

It was ordered that a new township be formed out of portions of 
Vacaville, Silveyville, and Maine Prairie townships as follows, to wit : 
"Beginning at the south-west comer of the south-east quarter of Section 
number 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian and base ; 
running thence north seven miles to the quarter-section corner on the 
north line of Section 3, Township 6 N. R. 1 \V. ; thence along said town- 
ship line six miles ; thence along quarter-section lines south seven miles 
to the quarter-section corner on the south line of Section number 3, Town- 
ship 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence west six miles along the section lines to the point 
of beginning. And it is further ordered that the said township be kno-wna 
and designated as Elmira township." 

On August 8, 1872, the boundary line between Silveyville and Vacaville 
townships was changed to confoi-m to the follomng : " Commencing at a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 45 

point on the north and south line between Silveyville and Vacaville town- 
ships, and at the corner of Sections numbers 1, 2, 11, and 12, in Town- 
ship number 7 N. R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian ; thence west five 
miles to line between ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence north one mile, more 
or less, to Putah creek ; thence along and down said creek to where the 
present line of Silveyville township intercepts the same ; be and the same is 
hereby set over to and become part of said Silveyville township." It was 
then also ordered that the western boundary of Suisun township be and 
the same is as follows, to wit : " Commencing at a point on the north line 
of Section 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W., which point is the intersection of the 
boundary line of Elmira township ; thence south on half -section line one 
mile to the southern line of Section 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence 
east on section line two and one-half miles to Mount Diablo meridian line ; 
thence south on said meridian line to the southern boundary line of Solano 
county." 

With this last adjustment of the boundaries the distribution of townships 
was so far completed, and leaves these twelve districts as the present parti- 
tion of the county. 

In 1873 Vallejo had a sudden accession of success, and the conception of 
having the county seat moved thither took permanent shape by the pre- 
sentation of a petition by E. H. Sawyer and others to the Board of 
Supervisors on September 23, praying that a public vote should be taken 
in this regard. On the sounding of Vallejo's trumpet the other towns and 
cities sniffed the battle from afar, champed their bits and tossed their flow- 
ing manes. A bitter fight waged between the newspapers of the county, 
while Benicia and her cohorts vented every conceivable argument, not so 
much that she might be once more endowed with the county honors, but 
that she should prevent the acquisition of so great a triumph to her former 
enemy. She had not forgotten the stormy days of 18.58. Leader after 
leader and argument upon argument appeared in the public prints ; meet- 
ings wei'o held all over the county, while in Vallejo an executive county 
seat committee was appointed, having as its officers Messrs. J. B. Frisbie, 
President ; E. H. Sawyer, Vice-President ; J. B. Robinson, Secretary ; J. K. 
Duncan, Treasurer, who framed the following address to the citizens of 
Solano county, which we cull from the columns of the " Solano Democrat " 
of that period : 

Your attention is invited to the following reasons why the county seat 
of Solano county should be removed from Fairfield to Vallejo : 

First — It is evident to all who have given the matter any thought, that 
Fairfield cannot be the permanent county seat of a great and growing 
county like Solano. 

The entire lack of accommodations for the persons attending court, and 



46 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

the fact that those accommodations are growing worse as the town con- 
tinues to decay, and that there is no hope of any improvement, is a matter 
of consideration. 

We cannot comj^are the dreary, treeless plain upon which our county 
seat is located, and meagre accommodation for visitors, with the pleasant 
location and ample quarters provided by other counties, without a feeling 
of shame. The great county of Solano will not always endure this. 

Second — Assuming, then, that a change in the county seat must ulti- 
mately come, we say that it should come now. An immediate expenditui-e 
of many thousand dollars will be necessaiy to make the present county 
buildings answer the purpose for which they were designed. Fire-proof 
rooms or vaults must be provided for the county records, and the pajjers 
and records of the couits. It is criminal to neglect this longer. Consider 
the confusion, the litigation, the utter ruin that would result from the 
destruction of the records of our courts and of our titles. And yet at pre- 
sent they are scarcely more secure than they would be in an ordinary 
frame-house. Is it wise to make these extensive imjjrovements upon build- 
ings which in a few years at most must be abandoned ? Is it not best that 
the change should be made now, and a new location selected w^hich .shall be 
permanent, that the county may derive some lasting advantage from the 
expenditui'e of its money ? 

Third — If the location of a county seat for our county was a new ques- 
tion, there would be no doubt of the propriety of adopting Vallejo. A line 
of railroad traverses the whole length of the county, terminating at Vallejo. 
Regular water communication can always be had from Rio Vista, Collins- 
ville, and Benicia, to Vallejo, enabling the inhabitants of these places to 
reach the county seat at all seasons of the year without interruption from 
floods or impassable roads ; and that other and large class of tax-payers and 
property-owners of our county, who reside in San Francisco and other 
counties, would be best accommodated at Vallejo. 

Vallejo is now, and promises in all future to be, the leading town in the 
county. It has good streets and sidewalks, convenient means to travel and 
good hotels, and is, indeed, the only place in the county capable of furnish- 
ing accommodations for the lar'ge number of people who are at any time 
liable to be called together by an important term of our District Court. 

The only two arguments that can be in-ged in favor of retaining the 
county seat at Fairfield, are these : 1st. That it is near the geographical 
center of the coiuity. 2nd. The expense of its removal. The first of these 
reasons, to-wit, its central position — if it was good at the time the county 
seat was located at Fairfield, wdien people came from all parts of the comity 
in carriages or on horseback, no longe^- holds good. The days of stage- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 47 

coaches are passed. New means of travel have sprung up, and geographical 
centers have given way to centers of travel. The whole population of the 
county could rally at Vallejo at le.ss expense, and greater ease and comfort, 
than at any other point in the county, and could live more comfortably 
while here. As a rule, county seats are not located in the center of coun- 
ties. Sacramento City, Stockton, Oakland, Marysville, Yuba City, Napa 
City and San Rafael, are not situated at the geogi'aphical centers of the 
respective counties of which they are the county seats. 

As to the second objection, in respect to the cost of removal. The pre- 
sent county buildings are said to have cost forty thousand dollars, and 
cannot be estimated at present at a higher valuation than twenty-five 
thousand dollars. The City of Vallejo and its citizens have bound them- 
selves by proper guarantees : 1st. To furnish, free of cost, suitable office 
room for county officers, court-rooms and jail, until the permanent county 
buildings are built. 2nd. That they will donate to the county the neces- 
sary grounds for the location of county buildings, to be selected by the 
Board of Supervisors of Solano County. 3rd. They pledge themselves 
to use all their influence with the Board of Supervisors to restrict the 
expenditure for the erection of county buildings (which will be the sole 
expenditure of the county) to fifty thousand dollars ; and they offer the 
guarantee of their most responsible citizens, and the City of Vallejo, that 
buildings shall be built (according to a plan now on exhibition at the City 
Hall, in Vallejo, copies of which will be sent to each precinct in the county), 
suitable for the county for many years to come, and vastly superior to the 
present buildings, for the sum of fifty thousand dollars. And the payment 
of this small amount need not be made at once. Bonds may be issued 
bearing seven per cent, interest, payable in twenty years, and an annual 
tax of five thousand dollars will pay the interest and leave a large surplus 
towards the extinguishment of the debt. Estimate the taxable property 
in the county at ten millions of dollars, which is about the present figure, 
the man who owns a thousand dollars worth of property will be taxed the 
sum of fifty cents per annum for the removal of the county seat. How 
insignificant is this sum compared with the great advantages to be derived. 

All that we ask of the voters of Solano county is, that they will consider 
this question dispassionately and without prejudice, looking only to the 
best good of the whole county in the future, and we are satisfied they will 
agree with us that the county seat should be immediately removed to 
Vallejo. 

On the 9th of October, 1873, the question of removal was brought before 
the Board of Supervisors, but there being a question existing of how many 
of the names which were annexed to the petition were those of bona fide 
voters, forty or fifty names were selected, making the total number of sig- 
natures 1,097, leaving 300 to be still examined. 



48 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Naturally, Suisun, from its proximity to Fairfield, was on the side of 
non-removal; therefore, every stone was turned to gain their point. Coun- 
sel was engaged on her side who urged, under the provisions of the law, in 
the event of the county seat being once removed, a petition for a second 
removal must contain a number of signatures equal to one-third the names 
on the gieat register ; that the county seat of Solano had been already 
removed from Benicia to Fairfield, and that the present case came within 
the provisions of the law. The examination of the last great register of 
the county, they stated, shows a total of 5,G00 names, one-third of which 
was 1,807. The counsel, therefore, submitted that the number of signatures 
was inadequate, and that in consequence, the petition was invalid. 

It wa,s finally decided by the Board that the number already passed upon 
was sufficient, and an order was made premising with the recitation that a 
petition had been presented to their body, praying that an election, to de- 
termine the place of the county seat, might be held ; that said petition con- 
tained 1,32.5 names; and that so far as examined, they had found upon it 
1,097 legal names; and that the same being more than one-third of the 
number of votes, they therefore ordered, in accordance ^vith the prayer of 
the petitioners, an election to be held on the last Wednesday in November. 
A protest from the counsel for Suisun was spread upon the minutes, stating 
in substance, that on such a day the county seat was removed from Benicia 
to Fail-field : that the archives of the county and county ofiicers were 
ordered there ; that the Great Register of the county contained 5,000 uncan- 
celled names at the time, and that it required one-third of that number of 
signatures to constitute a legal petition for an election, which number was 
not on the petition upon which the Board had taken action. 

The " Weekly Solano Republican," published at Suisun, writing on Octo- 
ber 30, 1873, remarks : "We object to the removal, because — 

First — The coimty seat is centrally located now, which makes the expense 
and trouble of reaching the seat of justice more nearly equal to all than 
any other location can; and we deny the justice of any arrangement which 
makes any man pay two dollars, or travel two miles, in order that two, or 
ten other men, may save one dollar each, or avoid travelling one mile each. 

Second — The county now possesses, unincumbei'ed by debt, buildings 
fully adequate to its wants for the next ten years ; and we denounce the 
policy which will add the cost of even le.ss serviceable buildings to the 
heavy debt the county is now carrying and groaning under. 

Third — The removal of the county seat will work a huge injustice to a 
very large majority of the tax-payers of the counfy, whether the cost of 
removal be much or little. Vallejo contains half of the population of the 
county, but only one-third of the taxable property ; and whatever may be 
the cost of removal, two-thirds of that expense will be paid by that half of 
the population, whose interest will be injured by the removal." 




^> i> 




THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 49 

At length the long looked for election day— November 26, 187S — arrived 
and ended, the ballot showing at its close, a majority for Vallejo over Fair- 
field, of 333. Benicia's rancor was of no avail ; but retribution was near 
at hand. It was directed that the county offices should be removed on Feb- 
ruary 9, 1874, to Vallejo, and that that ciby be declared the county seat, 
through the public newspapers. In time a few of the offices were carried 
thence, notably those of residents in that city, when arrangements were 
made for the temporary location of the several departments. 

But the northern part of the county had conceived the reasonable idea 
that the election of Vallejo was not carried out in as clear and straightfor- 
ward a manner as it should have been ; they, therefore, proceeded to Sacra- 
mento, and while the Legislature was in session, had a bill passed through 
both the Assembly and Senate, creating Vallejo into a county seat in its 
own right, since it was so ambitious of provincial honors. This, to the 
eyes of the Govei'nor, seemed too preposterous a scheme, acknowledging at 
the same time the justice of the objections, he, therefore, vetoed the bill, 
but informed the complainants that another one, locating the county seat 
at Fairfield, would be favorably considered. Thus, for the present, all 
heart-burnings were ameliorated, and ruffles smoothed, and the question 
finally set at rest by the Act of the Legislature, approved March 28, 1874, 
whose first section pronounces the doom of Vallejo, in the following ver- 
dict : " The county seat of Solano County shall he Fairfield, in said county." 



THE SETTLEMENT OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

In the old days, long ago, somewhere in the year 1817, as has been shown 
in another part of this work, Jose Sanchez, then a Lieutenant in the Span- 
ish Army, was despatched ■with a small force to subjugate the Suisun tribe 
of Indians, an expedition which was attended with but little loss on one 
side, and sad havoc on the other. As time dragged out its weary course, 
but little was gained ; the aboriginals were coerced into the service of their 
taskmasters, and without doubt endured many a torture of mind and body, 
when brought under the yoke of the Mexican Government. It is not for a 
moment to be imagined that, though the savages were driven into bondage, 
they suS'ered all the distress supposed to be a part and parcel of their thral- 
dom; this is not the case ; for General Vallejo, who had the lands of Suscol 
granted to him, held as lenient a sway over his aboriginal vassals as was 
possible under the circumstances ; and, indeed, was the first to prove the 
.soothing influences of even a partial civilization ; yet, these people have 
now vanished, whither it is impossible to trace ; the advent of a dominant 
race was more than they could cope with; hence, they are nowhere to be 

4 



50 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT. 

found ; and it is only at distances, few and far between, that traces of their 
former locations are to be discovered. It is believed that those who inhab- 
ited the valleys with which we have especially to deal, were thinned by the 
hostilities in which they were engaged with the Spaniards, materially aided 
by a decimating scourge of small-pox that carried oft' numbers of the half- 
fed and ill-clothed savages. This epidemic broke out in the year 1839, and 
sucli was the devastation which ensued that almost an entire race was ship- 
wrecked, leaving but few survivors of the catastrophe. They died so rap- 
idly that the usual funeral rites were abandoned: huge pits were dug, and 
the pestilential corpses placed therein by twenties while they were covered 
up, when filled, -with a rude mound of earth ; many of them forsook the 
land of their birth, now become accursed on account of the presence of the 
odious intruder ; their wives and daughters, by the maltreatment received 
at the hands of these half -civilized soldiers from the Spanish Main, had 
ceased to bear children, and thus they drifted out of ken, until now they 
are a thing of the past, their presence in Solano County being at best but a 
memory which only lingers in the mind of the early pioneer. 

A short distance from the small to^vn of Rock\'ille, situated at the foot of 
Suisun valley, on the property of Lewis Pierce, stood a rude cross, which 
was popularly believed to mark the resting place of Sem-Yeto, otherwise 
Francis Solano, the Chief of the Suisuns. It is said that this tribe removed 
in 1850 to Napa county, taking with them all their grain, to the amount 
of several hundreds of bushels which had been held in reserve in their rude 
granaries near the above-mentioned site. This exodus would appear to 
mark the arrival of the hated white man. 

It has long been, and in all human probability, it will be many a year 
before it shall be authentically decided who was the first settler in Solano 
county. That General Vallejo and his troops were the actual pioneers of 
the district now known as Solano, is conceded on every hand ; but they 
can scarcely be classed among the settlers, for though a great district of 
some ninety thousand acres had been granted to him by the Mexican Gov- 
ernment, still, he never had, until later, any actual domicile in the county, 
his residence being at Sonoma, whither he had been ordered to fix his head^- 
quarters, and lay out a town. 

The people immediately succeeding the aboriginal Indians were Span- 
iards ; or, more properly speaking, natives of Mexico, a race who were by 
no means calculated to improve and lay out a new country. Born in a warm 
and enervating climate, they were prone to pass their days in indolence. 
To be able to get suflicient food to allay the pangs of hunger and enough 
of water to assuage their thirst was to them satiety. In their own land 
they had made no change, nor in any way advanced their home interests by 
any civilizing influence save that of a forced Christianity, since the days 
when Montezuma was so barbarously and treacherously murdered by Cortez 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 51 

and his pirate crew ; therefore, this country wherein they had cast their lot, 
was allowed to rest in its state of tangled confusion. Happily all of those 
who came from this southern clime were not of this somniferous kind, as 
the following i-eniarks will show. The Baca (now pronounced Vaca, and in 
some law deeds Americanized into Barker) and Pena family arrived in Los 
Angeles, and after a residence of one year, came, in 1841, to the valley 
which now bears the name of the former, and there settled, building adobe 
houses for themselves ; that of Juan Felipe Peiia being constructed in 
Laguna (Lagoon) valley, and Manuel Baca's about one mile north-east there- 
from. These structures still stand on their original sites, the former being 
occupied by the widow of Peiia, while the latter is the dwelling of Westley 
Hill. In the succeeding year (1842) there arrived the Armijo family, who 
took up their grant in the Suisun valley, built an adobe, and entered into 
residence about five miles north-west of Fairfield, the present county seat. 
With these three families to take the lead, others, as a matter of course, 
followed, not so much to labor in their own interests and toil for their 
wealthier fellows, but that they loved the dolce far niente mode of living 
to be found on the Haciendas of the rich. A certain amount of state was 
maintained by the rancheros of those days, which they had learned from 
the splendor-loving cavaliers of old Spain ; they seldom moved abroad ; 
but when they did, it was upon a handsomely caparisoned horse, with at- 
tendant out-riders, armed, to protect their lord from wild animals, which 
infested the country. The earlier locators of land brought with them herds 
of cattle, which, in the natural sequence of things, became roving bands of 
untamed animals that provided the Spanish master and his servile crew 
with meat ; while enough grain was not so much cultivated as grown, to 
to keep them in food, as it were, from day to day. Their mode of travel- 
ing was entirely on horseback ; accommodation there was none ; when 
halting for the night, an umbrageous tree was their roof ; the fertile valleys 
their stable and pasture ; while, when food was required, to slay an ox or a 
deer, was the matter of a few moments. 

Mention has been made of the adobe houses of the early Califoruians. 
Let us consider one of these primitive dwellings : Its construction was 
beautiful in its extreme simplicity. The walls were fashioned of large 
sun-dried bricks, made of that black loam known to settlers in the Golden 
State as adobe soil, mixed with straw, with no particularity as to species, 
measuring about eighteen inches square and three in thickness ; these were 
cemented with mud, plastered within with the same substance, and white- 
washed when finished. The rafters and joists were of rough timber, with 
the bark simply peeled off and placed in the requisite position, while the 
residence of the wealthier classes were roofed with tiles of a convex shape, 
placed so that the one should overlap the other and thus make a water- 
shed ; or, later, with shingles, the poor cententing themselves with a thatch 



52 THE HISTORT OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of tule, fastened down with thongs of bullocks' hide. The former modes of 
covering were expensive — the Pefia family, it is said, having given a man a 
considerable piece of land for shingling their house — and none but the 
opulent could afford the luxury of tiles. When completed, however, these 
mud dwellings will stand the brunt, and wear and tear of many decades, as 
can be evidenced by the number which are still occupied in out-of-the-way 
corners of the county. 

Thus were these solitary denizens of what is now the prolific garden 
kno\vii as Solano county, housed in the midst of scenery which no pen can 
describe nor limner paint. The county, be it in what valley soever we wot, 
was one interminable grain field ; mile upon mile, acre after acre, the wild 
oats grew in marvelous profusion, in many places to a prodigious height — 
one great glorious green of wild waving corn — high over head of the way- 
farer on foot and shoulder high with the equestrian. Wild flowers of every 
prismatic shade charmed the eye, while they vied with each other in the 
gorgeousness of their colors and blended into dazzling splendor. One breath 
of wind and the wide emerald expanse rippled itself into space, while with 
a heavier breeze came a swell whose waves beat against the mountain sides, 
and, being hurled back, were lost in the far-away horizon. Shadow pursued 
shadow in a long merry chase. The air was filled with the hum of bees, 
the chirrupping of birds, an overpowering fragrance from the various 
plants, causing the smallest sounds, in the extreme solitude, to become like 
the roar of the ocean. 

The hill-sides, overrun as they were with a dense mass of almost impene- 
trable chapparal, were hard to penetrate ; trees of a larger growth struggled 
for existence in isolated sterile spots. On the plains but few oaks of any 
size were to be seen, a reason for this being found in the devastating 
influence of the prairie fires, which were of frequent occurrence, thus 
destroying the young shoots as they sprouted from the earth ; while the 
flames, vdth their forked tongues, scorched the older ones, utterly destroying 
them, leaving those only to survive the rude attack which were Well ad- 
vanced in years. 

This almost boundless range was intersected throughout with trails 
whereby the traveler moved from point to point, progress being, as it were, 
in darkness on account of the height of the oats on either side, and rendered 
dangerous in the lower valleys by the bands of wild cattle, .sprung from the 
stock introduced by the first settlers. These found food and shelter on the 
plains during the night ; at dawn of day they repaired to the higher grounds 
to chew the cud and bask in the sunshine. At every yard, cayotes sprang 
from the feet of the voyager. The hissing of snakes, the frightened rush of 
lizards, all tended to heighten the sense of danger ; while the flight of 
quail, the nimble run of the rabbit, and the stampede of antelope and elk, 
which abounded in thousands, adde'd to the charm, making him, be he 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 53 

whosoever he may, pedestrian or equestrian, feel the utter insignificance of 
man, the " noblest work of God." 

At this time, as now, the rivers, creeks, and sloughs swarmed with fish 
of various kinds that had not, as yet, been rudely frightened by the whirl 
of civilization. The water at the Green Valley Falls, that favorite picnic 
resort of to-day, then leajjed as it e'en does now from crag to crag, splashing 
back its spray in many a sparkle. Then, the shriek of the owl, the howl of 
the panther, or the grufl^ growl of the grizzly was heard. Now, the scene 
is changed ; it has ceased to be the lair of the wild beast, but civilization 
has introduced the innocent prattle of children, and the merry tones of 
womanhood, causing one to stay and ponder which be best, the former wild 
solitude, or the pleasing pleasant present sunshine of sparkling voices and 
sparkling water. 

Let us here introduce the following, interesting resume of the experiences 
of the first of America's sons who visited California : 

THE AMERICAN PIONEERS OF CALIFORNIA. 

The following interesting record of the adventures of the first American 
argonauts of California is abridged from an article which appeared in " The 
Pioneer " in the year 1855 : 

The first Americans that arrived in California, overland, were under the 
command of Jehediah S. Smith, of New York. Mr. Smith accompanied the 
first trapjjing and trading expedition, sent from St. Louis to the head 
waters of the Missouri by General Ashley. The ability and energy dis- 
played by him, as a leader of parties engaged in trapping beaver, were 
considered of so much importance by General Ashley that he soon proposed 
to admit him as a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. The 
proposal was accepted and the aflairs of the concern were subsequently 
conducted by the firm of Ashley & Smith until 1828, when Mr. William L. 
Sublette and Mr. Jackson, who had been engaged in the same business in 
the mountains, associated themselves with Mr. Smith and bought out 
Geneial Ashley. They continued the business under the name of the 
Rocky Mountain Fur Company until the summer of 1830, when they 
retired from the mountains, dispofffng of their property and interest in the 
enterprise to Messrs. Fitzpatrick, Bridger, Solomon, Sublette, and Trapp. 
Mr. W. L. Sublette subsequently re-engaged in the business. 

In the spring of 182G Mr. Smith, at the head of a party of about twenty- 
five men, left the winter quarters of the company to make a spring and fall 
hunt. Traveling westerly he struck the source of the Green river, which 
he followed down to its junction with Grand river, where the two form the 
Colorado. He there left the river and, traveling westerly, approached the 
Sierra Nevada of California. When traveling in that direction in search of 
a favorable point to continue his exploration towards the ocean, he crossed 



54 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

the mountains and descended into the great valley of California near its 
south-eastern extremity ; thus being not only the first American, but the 
first person who, from the east or north, had entered the magnificent valleys 
of the San Joaquin and Sacramento, or who had ever seen or explored 
any of the rivers falling into the bay of San Francisco. 

The following winter and spring he prosecuted with success the catching 
of beaver, on the streams flowing into the lakes of the Tulares, on the San 
Joaquin and tributaries, as also on some of the lower branches of the Sac- 
ramento. At the commencement of summer, the spring hunt having closed, 
he essayed to return, by following up the American river ; but the height 
of the mountains, and other obstacles which he encountered, induced him 
to leave the party in the valley during the summer. He accordingly re- 
turned ; and, having arranged their summer quarters on that river, near the 
present town of Brighton, prepared to make the journey, accompanied by a 
few well tried and hardy hunters, to the summer rendezvous of the Rocky 
Mountain Fur Company, on the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains. 
Selecting favorite and trusty horses and mules, Mr. Smith, with three com- 
panions, left camp to undertake one of the most arduous and dangerous 
journeys ever attempted. Ascending the Sierra Nevada, he crossed it at a 
point of elevation so great, that on the night of the 27th of June, most of 
his mules died from intense cold. He descended the eastern slope of the 
mountains, and entered upon the thirsty and sterile plains that were spread 
out before him in all their primitive nakedness ; but his horses were unable 
to accomplish the journey. 

Next to the Bedouin of the great African desert, if not equally with 
him, the trapper of the wilds of the American continent worships the noble 
horse, which not only proudly carries his owner up to the huge bison, when 
hunger presses the hunter, and swiftly flees from the overpowering horde of 
savages who seek his life ; but while the solitary, benighted, and fatigued 
hunter snatches a few shreds of repose, stands a trusty sentinel, with ears 
erect and penetrating eye, to catch the first movement of every object 
within its view, or with di-stended nostril, to inhale the odor of the red man 
with which the passing breeze is impregnated, and arouse his aSectionate 
master. What, then, were the feelingf of these men, as they saw their 
favorite steeds, which had long been their companions, and had been 
selected for their noble bearing, reeling and faltering on those inhospitable 
plains. Still worse when they were compelled to sever the brittle thread 
of life, and dissolve all those attachments and vivid hopes of future com- 
panionship and usefulness by the use of the rifle, which, at other times, 
with unerring aim, would have sent death to the man who should attempt 
to deprive them of their beloved animals. 

They hastily cut from the lifeless bodies a few pieces of flesh, as the only 
means of sustaining their own existence ; and in this manner they supported 
life until they passed the desert and arrived on foot at the rendezvous. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 55 

A party was immediately organized, and, with such supplies as were 
required for the company, left for California, Mr. Smith hastening his de- 
parture. Traveling south, to avoid in some degree the snow and cold of 
■^vinter, he descended and crossed Grand river, of the Colorado, and, contin- 
uing south-westerly, he approached the Colorado river from the east, near 
the camp of the Mohave Indians. In the attempt to transport his party, 
by means of rafts, over this river, in which he was aided by the Mohaves, 
who professed great friendship and hospitality, he was suddenly surprised 
by the treacherous Indians, who, uj)on a pre-concerted signal, simultaneously 
attacked the men who were on each bank of the river, and upon a raft then 
crossing, massacred the party, with the exception of two men and Mr. 
Smith, who escaped, and after great suffering arrived at the Mission of San 
Gabriel, in California. They were immediately arrested by the military 
of&cer at that place, because they had no passports. This functionary 
forwarded an account of the arrival and detention of the foreigners to the 
commandant of San Diego, who transmitted the same to General Echandia, 
then Governor and Commander-in-Chief of California. 

After a harassing delay Mr. Smith was permitted to proceed to Monterey, 
and appear before the Governor. Through the influence and pecuniary 
assistance of Captain John Cooper, an American, then resident of Monterey, 
he was liberated, and having procured such supplies as could be obtained in 
that place, partially on account of beaver-fur to be sent from the summer 
quarters on the Sacramento river, and partly on credit, he hired a few men 
and proceeded to the camp of the party which he had previously left in the 
Sacramento valley. After forwarding the fur to Monterey, he travelled up the 
Sacramento, making a most successful hunt up this river and its tributaries 
within the valley. Ascending the western sources of the Sacramento, he 
passed Shasta mountain, when he turned westerly and arrived on the coast, 
which he followed south to the Umpqua river. While Mr. Smith and two men 
were in a canoe, with two or three Indians, engaged in examining the river 
to find a crossing, his camp was unexpectedly surprised by the Indians, who 
had, up to this time, shown the most friendly disposition, and the entire 
party, with the exception of one man, were murdered. Mr. Smith and the 
men with him in the canoe, after wandering many days in the mountains, 
where they were obliged to secrete themselves by day and travel by night, 
to avoid the Indians, who were scouring the country in pursuit, succeeded 
in escaping from their vicinity, and arrived at Fort Vancouver, a post of 
the Hudson's Bay Company, on the Columbia river. The man who escaped 
from the camp at the massacre of the party was badly wounded, and without 
arms to defend himself or procure food, succeeded in sustaining life and 
making his way through many vicissitudes for a period of thirty-eight days, 
when he reached Fort Vancouver. On his arrival there Mr. Smith con- 
tracted with the superintendent to sell him the large quantity of fur which 



56 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

had fallen into the hands of the Indians on the Umpqua, provided he would 
assist in recovering it, and to furnish a guide to lead a trapping party into 
the Sacramento valley. A company was fitted out under the command of 
Lieutenant McLeod, which proceeded to the scene of disaster, and after re- 
covering the fur, with which Mr. Smith returned to the fort, continued 
south, under the guidance of one of Smith's men, to the Sacramento valley, 
where a most valuable hunt was made. A large number of horses from 
California were also obtained, with which the party attempted to return in 
the fall of 1822. In crossing the mountain they were overtaken by a violent 
snow-storm, in which they lost all their horses. From the hasty and un- 
suitable manner in which they attempted to secrete their valuable stock of 
fur from the observation and discovery of the Indians or other body of 
trappers, it was found in a ruined state by a party sent to convey it to the 
fort in the following spring, and McLeod was discharged from the service of 
the company for his imprudence in attempting to cross the mountains so 
late in the fall. 

Another band was fitted out from Fort Vancouver, by the Hudson 
Bay Co., under Captain Ogden, of New York, who for some time had been 
in the employ of that corporation, with which Mr. Smith left the fort on 
his final departure from the Pacific shore, for the rendezvous of the Rocky 
Mountain Fur Co. This company traveled up Lewis river, in the direction 
of the South Pass, when Mr. Smith pursuing his journey with a few men. 
Captain Ogden turned south, and traveling along the ea.stern base of the 
Sierra Nevada, entere^i the valley of the Tulares, on the trail which Smith 
had made in 1826. McLeod having left the valley before he was en- 
countered by Ogden, who spent the winter of 1828-9, and the following 
summer returned to the Columbia river mth a valuable hvint. 

One of the survivors of the massacre of Smith's party on the Rio Colorado 
remained in California. He was a blacksmith by trade, and obtained em- 
ployment at the Missions of San Gabriel and San Luis Rey. His name was 
Galbraith, and while in the mountains previous to his advent to California, 
was recognized as the most fearless of that brave class of men with whom 
he was associated. His stature was commanding, and the Indians were 
awed by his athletic and powerful frame, while the display of his Herculean 
strength excited the surprise of all. Many were the incidents that occurred 
in California during his residence, of which he was the principal actor. On 
one occasion, while employed at the Mission of San Luis Rey, he became 
riotous while under the exciting influence of aguadiente, and was warned 
that unless he conducted himself with greater propriety it would be necessary 
to confine him in the guard-house. This served to exasperate instead of to 
quiet his unruly passions. A corporal with two men were ordered to arrest 
Galbraith. On their arrival at the shop, they found the follower of Vulcan 
absorbed in anathemas, which he was pouring forth in rapid succession 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 57 

against the Reverend Father, soldiers, and neophites. Having delivered 
himself he enquired what they wanted. On the corporal's replying that he 
had been sent to conduct him to the guard-house, Galbraith seized a sledge, 
and swaying it above his head rushed upon the soldiers, who, intimidated at 
the gigantic size of the blacksmith, whose broad and deep chest was swell- 
ing with infuriated passion, horror stricken fled in di.smay. With uplifted 
hammer he pursued them across the court of the Mission, and to the guard 
house in front of the Mission, where the affrighted corporal and soldiers 
arrived among their comrades, closely followed by the terrific mountaineer, 
who, alike fearless of Spanish soldiers as he had ever been of Indians, drove 
the trembling forces, a sergeant and twelve men, to their quarters, where 
they were imprisoned. He then hastily loaded with grape shot a fine piece 
of artillery which stood in front of the quarters, and directing its mouth 
towards the Mission, he gathered up the arms which the soldiers in the 
confusion had abandoned, and prepared to act as exigencies might require. 
The priest, seeing the course events were taking, sent a messenger to open 
communications with the victor, who, from the sudden burst of passion and 
violent exercise had dispelled the effects of the brandy, and with its removal 
his choler had subsided. 

In the early part of 1839 a company was made up in St. Louis, Missouri, 
to cross the plains to California consisting of D. G. Johnson, Charles Klein, 
David D. Button and William Wiggins. Fearing the treachery of the 
Indians this little party determined to await the departure of a party of 
traders in the employ of the American Fur Comjiany, on their annual tour 
to the Rocky Mountains. At Westport they were joined by Messrs. Wright, 
Gegger, a Doctor Wiselzenius and his German companion, and Peter Lasson, 
as also two missionaircs with thier wives and hired man, bound for Oregon, 
as well as a lot of what were termed fur trappers, bound for the mountains, 
thg entire company consisting of twenty-seven men and two women. 

The party proceeded on their journey and in due time arrived at the 
Platte river, but here their groceries and breadstuff gave out ; happily the 
country was well stocked with food, the bill of fare consisting henceforward 
of buffalo, venison, cat-fish, suckers, trout, salmon, duck, pheasant, sage-fowl, 
heaver, hare, horse, grizzly bear, badger and dog. The historian of this expedi- 
tion thus describes this latter portion of the menu. " As much misunderstand- 
ing seems to prevail in regard to the last animal alluded to, a particular 
description of it may not be uninteresting. It is, perhaps, somewhat larger 
than the ground squirrel of California, is subterranean and gregarious in its 
habits, living in ' villages ; ' and from a supposed resemblance in the feet, 
as well as in the spinal termination, to that of the canine family, it is in 
popular language kno-\vn as the prairie dog. But in the imposing technology 
of the mountain graduate it is styled the canus prairie cuss, because its 
cussed holes so often cause the hunter to be unhorsed when engaged in the 
chase." 



58 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

After enduring a weary journey, accompanied by the necessary annoy- 
ances from treacherous and pilfering Souix, hail-storms, sand-storms, rain 
and thunder-storms, our voyagers arrived at Fort Hall, where they were 
disappointed at not being aVile to procure a guide to take them to California- 
This was almost a death-blow to the hopes of the intrepid travelers ; but 
having learned of a settlement on the Willamette river, they concluded to 
proceed thither in the following spring, after passing the winter at this fort- 
Here Klein and Doctor Wiselzenius determined to retrace their steps ; thus 
the party was now reduced to five in number — Johnson going ahead and 
leaving for the Sandwich Islands. In September, 1839, the party reached 
Oregon, and sojourned there during the winter of that year ; but in May, 
1840, a vessel arrived with Missionaries from England, designing to touch 
at California on her return, Mr. William Wiggins, now of Monterey, the 
narrator of this expedition, and his three companions from Missouri, among 
whom was Mr. David D. Dutton, now a resident of Vacaville to'wnship, in 
Solano county, got on board ; but Mr. W., not having a dollar, saw no hope 
to get away ; as a last resort, he sent to one of the passengers, a compara- 
tive stranger, for the loan of sixty dollars, the passage-money, when, to his 
great joy and surprise, the money was furnished — a true example of the 
spontaneous generosity of those early days. There were three passengers 
from Oregon, and many others who were " too poor to leave." In June, 
they took passage in the " Lausenne," and were three weeks in reaching 
Baker's bay, a distance of only ninety miles. On July 3rd, they left the 
mouth of the Columbia, and, after being out thirteen days, arrived at Bo- 
dega, now in Sonoma county, but then a harbor in possession of the Russians. 
Here a dilemma arose of quite a threatening character. The Mexican Com- 
mandant sent a squad of soldiers to prevent the party from landing, as they 
wished to do, for the captain of the vessel had refused to take them farther 
on account of want of money. At this crisis, the Russian Governor arrived, 
and ordered the soldiers to leave, be shot down, or go to prison ; they, there- 
fore, beat a retreat. Here were our travelers, at a stand-still, with no means 
of proceeding on their journey, or of finding their way out of the inhospit- 
able country ; they, therefore, penned the following communication to the 
American Consul, then stationed at Monterey : 

" Port Bodeoa. July 2.5, 1840. 
" To the American Consul of California : 

" Dear Sir — • We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, being 
desirous to land in the country, and having been refused a passport, and 
been opposed by the Government, we write to you, sir, for advice, and claim 
your protection. Being short of funds, we are not able to proceed further 
on the ship. We have concluded to land under the protection of the Rus- 
sians ; we will remain there fifteen days, or until we receive an answer from 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 69 

you, which we hope will be as soon as the circumstances of the case will 
permit. We have been refused a passport from General Vallejo. Our ob- 
ject is to get to the settlements, or to obtain a pass to return to our own 
country. Should we receive no relief, we will take up our arms and travel, 
consider ourselves in an enemy's country, and defend ourselves with our 
guns. 

" We subscribe ourselves, 

" Most re.spectfully, 

David Button, 
John Stevens, 
Peter Lasson, 
Wm. Wiggins, 
J. Wright." 

To John R. Wolfskin is the honor due of being the first American settler 
in Solano county. In 1838, his brother William and himself came to Los 
Angeles, and there remained until 1842, when the former received a grant of 
four leagues of land, situated on both sides of the Rio de los Putos, which, 
under a family arrangement, the latter located on in that year. John R. Wolf- 
skill, being, therefore, the actual American pioneer of the county, we have made 
it our duty to personally consult him by visiting him at his magnificent man- 
sion on Putah creek. Having ridden on horseback from Los Angeles, where 
he had been laboring for years for a miserable pittance, he drove with him 
ninety head of cattle, and ultimately arrived at his destination after a weary 
journey, cheered by no society save the growling of wild beasts and the low- 
ing of his own kine. When he arrived on the northern side of the bay of San 
Francisco, he made for Napa, and here procured a horse from George Yount, 
the pioneer of that county, and crossing the mountains, struck into Green 
valley, and thence into that of Suisun, and thus travelling, passed through 
the present site of Vacaville, and arrived on the banks of the Putah. On 
his attaining his haven, the country had the appearance of never having 
kno-wn the foot of man ; Indians there were none ; cattle there were none 
save those which he had brought with him ; but there were evidences on 
eveiy hand of bears, and other wild animals. Mr. Wolfskill, inured as he 
had been to hardship almost from his birth, thought little of these things ; 
he had early served a hunter's craft in the wilds of unsettled Missouri^ 
whither he had accompanied his father in the year 1809, from his native 
State of Kentucky; had learned the bitterness of being cooped up in 
Cooper's Fort, now Howard County, Mo., during the war of 1812, and 
could check-mate the tricky savage at his own game, and prove a match for 
the ferocious grizzly on his own ground. The first night on his new domain 
the lonely voyager passed high up on the fork of a tree away from the 
possible hug of prowling bears and the presence of creeping things ; the 



60 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

dawTi found him with gun on shoulder on the search for food ; no time was 
lost in making arrangements for a permanent location. A position for his 
future home was chosen on a site near to that where now stands the house 
of his brother, Sarshel Wolfskill, and, half a mile from his own present 
dwelling ; what timber was necessary was cut, and in a short time, with 
the a.ssistance of a stray Indian or Mexican, the pioneer hut was completed, 
and the energetic backwoodsman had once more the comfort of a roof over 
his head, with more ample security from the lurking animals without. 

At this time \Volfskiir.s nearest English-speaking neighbors were, on the 
one hand, at Napa, on the other, at Sutter's Fort, now Sacramento ; dis- 
tances of forty-five and thirty miles, respectively. Many a time was the 
never-ending solitude broken by a ride and return on the same day to these 
places, undertaken simply for the pleasure of a short conversation, which, 
when accomplished, again would recur a season of prolonged lonesomeness, 
varied only by the toil of clearing ground, the pursuit of game, and the 
prosecution of a deadly war with grizzlies, of which Mr. Wolfskill has killed 
a large number. One evening alone he having, in a distance of a mile and 
a half, while riding along the course of the Putah creek, sent five to their 
long account. 

Uncle John Wolfskill, as he is familiarly spoken of in the district in 
which he resides, carries his seventy-five years well, and, but for the extreme 
whiteness of his beard and a slight bend of his shoulders, would still be 
considered a man in the prime of life. Fortune has smiled upon him in the 
fullness of his 3'ears. Portions of his estate he has sold or rented, but he, 
with his son and brother, have a large tract under cultivation. His resi- 
dence stands nearly three hundred yards from the banks of the Putah creek, 
surrounded on every side by a splendid orchard of fruit trees of every 
variety, including oranges, olives, figs, and gi-apes, one vine having tendrils 
of forty feet in length that form a magnificent arbor ; while the building 
is of fine, soft, smooth stone, found on the property in considerable quanti- 
ties, which has a beautifid appearance, and combines all the comfort of an 
old country establishment, with the advantages of habitation, which a 
glorious climate affords. 

Thus we have satisfactorily traced the establishment of the first American 
in Solano county, but emigj-ation had not, as yet, come into California, for 
no sign of gold had then been found, nor, indeed, had the remarkable adapt- 
ability of the soil for agricultural as well as pastoral purposes been given 
to the world. Those who occupied the lands did so in peace, and continued 
so to do for years. It was not until 184G that any positive influx in the 
population of the county made itself apparent. In this year Benicia was 
first settled, but ere relating this portion of Solano's history, let us draw 
attentiou to the circumstances which induced to the selection of the site by 
Doctor Robert Semple. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 61 

In the early part of 1846 the United States and Mexico were at war. A 
fine fleet of the best ships of the Union proudly bore the flag on the Pacific 
ocean and along its coast. Fremont, the intrepid, with a small force of 
regulars, were engaged on the frontier of California on a supposed scientific 
survey. Great Britain and France, through their representatives, were 
watching with keen anxiety the out-turn of affairs, being ready at a 
moment's notice to take advantage of any loop-hole that might present 
itself, and assume a protectorate over the coast, or take forcible possession 
of the country. The native Californians were not numerous ; those were 
divided in council, scattered over a vast territory and poorly equipped with 
defensive weapons. At this juncture affairs culminated to a point, and the 
little town of Sonoma wa.t called upon to play a part in the history of the 
west, which was finally settled by the acquisition of California to the 
United States. 

On the morning of June IGth a band of thirty-three Americans, recruited 
from Sutter's Fort and the adjacent districts, marched into the town of 
Sonoma, captured the garrison and took General Vallejo, the officer com- 
manding the Province of California, a prisoner. The company who carried 
out this high-handed action were under the orders of one of their number 
named Merritt, whom they had elected to the position of Captain. They 
proceeded entirely on their respon.sibility, committed no excess, but still 
were determined in their policy. 

Being without authority to use the flag of the United States, a banner of 
their own was therefore resolved upon, and three men, Ben Duell, (now of 
Lake county) Todd, and Currie, manufactured the standaixl, the two former, 
who were saddlers it is believed, sewing the stripes of red, white, and blue 
together, while they with the bear, from which the color received its name, 
were painted by the latter. A narrator of these events naively remarks : 
" The material of which the stripes were made was not, as has l)een stated, 
an old red flannel petticoat, but was new flannel and white cotton, which 
Duell got from Mrs. W. B. Elliott, who had been brought to the town of Sono- 
ma, her husband, W. B. Elliott, being one of the bear-flag party. Some blue 
domestic was found elsewhere and used in making the flag. The drawing 
was rudely done, and, when finished, the bear resembled a pig as much as 
the object for which it was intended." The idea of adopting the insignia of 
a bear was that having once entered the fight, there should be no surrender 
until the thorough emancipation of California was accomplished. The 
bear-flag is still preserved as a choice relic by the Society of California 
Pioneers, and on notable occasions it sees the light in a procession by the 
Association. 

In the meantime after a few fights, and tlie murder of one or two of the 
independents, Fremont made his appearance on the scene, and fitted out an 
expedition to pursue the Californians whicn he did with much vigor, finally 



62 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

driving Castro, their commander, with his forces, out of the disti'ict. While 
these events were being enacted, the American flag was hoisted at Monterey 
on July 7th, by direction of Commodore Sloat ; on the following day it was 
opened to the breeze on the plaza at Yerba Buena, and, on July 10th, the 
revolutionists received one with eveiy demonstration of joy ; down came the 
flag of independence, 'the inartistic bear-flag, and up went the stars and 
stripes, thus completing the conquest of the district of Sonoma of which 
Solono county then formed a portion. 

The detachment to escort General Vallejo to Sutter's Fort, wherein he 
was to be held as a prisoner of war, was placed under the command of 
Doctor Robert Semple, then a captain serving under the bear flag, who, 
while proceeding by boat along the shores of the Carquinez straits, casually 
observed to the general on the remarkable eligibility of the present site of 
Benicia as one on which to found a city. At the time the matter was 
refeiTed to simply as a topic of conversation ; on the return journey, how- 
ever, after the short detention of the General, he once more brought up the 
subject, which terminated in his promise to make a concession for that 
purpose of five miles of water front and one in depth ; this we find on 
reference to the county records was finally carried out, by deed of gift, on 
May 19th, 1847, the name of Thomas 0. Larkin, consul for the United State 
at Monterey, being associated with those of General Vallejo and Doctor 
Robert Semple, the deed containing certain provisions which will be treated 
on in the histoiy of the city of Benicia. 

Thus the fii'st town in Solono county was located and soon after settled. 

We must now return to the doings of the year 1846. In this year 
immigration was greater than on any previous one, among those arriving 
being Landy Alford and Nathan Barbour. What their experiences were let 
us here relate. Starting from Andrews county, Missoui'i, for this, then 
almost "undiscovered country," they crossed the plains and came to the 
banks of the Feather river in October, 1846. The waters being in flood it 
was too deep to ford, they, therefore, with that wit which becomes sharpened 
by a stern necessity, devised the following mode of reaching the opposite 
bank. Taking the box, or bed of their wagons, they fastened to each corner 
an empty keg, thus making a raft or float ; in this they conveyed, not only 
all their household goods, but also their entire families, the live stock which 
they were bringing with them being compelled to swim across. Not long 
after this our party found themselves at Wolfskill's ranch, already referred 
to, and here they divided, the Alford's going to Sonoma accompanied by 
Barbour's wife, while Barbour remained behind for a few days, and finally 
enlisted in the battalion that Fremont was at the time recruiting, with 
which he went to Sacramento and served five months. In the end of March, 
1847, Mr. Barbour followed his friends to Sonoma where he, with AKord, 
framed two houses which they intended erecting on a couple of lots given 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 63 

them for the purpose. On one occasion while at work shaping out their 
posts and beams, they were fountl by Thomas 0. Larkin who made them an 
offer of a startling nature, this being no less than a proposal to take both 
their houses to Benicia free of charge, to give them one thousand dollars 
each for them, they having the privilege of living in them during the 
winter, only with this simple proviso, that they should be erected on certain 
specified lots in that city. The otter was accepted and they moved to 
Benicia in October, 1847. With the same train in which started for Cali- 
fornia those mentioned above, traveled Daniel M. Beny, who with his 
family arrived in September, 1846, and at once proceeded to Rio Vista, but 
in the following spring removed fi'om there and came into the Suisun valley 
and pitched a tent on what is now the farm of Joseph Blake, situated about 
six miles west of Fairfield. In this year there also located in Vaca valley, 
Albert Lyon, John Patton, J. P. Long, Willis Long, and Clay Long, who 
commenced the business of stock-raisers. At this time there also lived in 
the adobe at Rockville, formerly occupied by Solano, the proselytized chief 
of the Suisuns, one Jesus Molino, an Indian who farmed some land. 

Captain Von Pfister, a most worthy gentleman of Benicia, who arrived in 
that city in the month of August, 1847, possesses a set of books, a day-book 
and journal, used in his business, which impart a fund of information in 
regard to the early settlement of the county, and in a measure serves as a 
directory for that year. When the captain landed in Benicia, one William 
McDonald was then building an adobe, which Von Pfister rented on com- 
pletion, and opened the first store in the county. From this establishment 
the neighborhood for many miles around was supplied, including residents 
in Contra Costa, notably the Spanish family of Martinez, who founded the 
pleasant town of that name on the opposite shore of the Carquinez Straits. 
The books above referred to inform us that there then lived in the county the 
following gentlemen — of course there vs^re others whom it has been impos- 
sible to trace — all of whom did business at this pioneer emporium. Robert 
Semple, Edward Higgings, Charles Hand, Benjamin Furbush, David A- 
Davis, William Bryan, George Stevens, James Thompson, Stephen Cooper, 
F. S. Holland, Landy Alford, Benjamin McDonald, William Russell, William 
Watson, William I. Tustin, Henry Mathews, while Ward & Smith, and 
Robert A. Parker, then the principal mei-chants of Yerba Buena, were the 
wholesale establishments with which Von Pfister did business. 

The foregoing names are produced merely to give a sort of genei'al idea 
of who some of the original settlers were, but it must be by no manner of 
means inferred that they were the first to locate in that section. It is fair 
to assume that Doctor Robert Semple was the first to appear with any 
defined ideas of taking up a permanent residence on the spot, for to him 
and two others did the land belong ; there were no houses wherein to live ; 
so those who came were per force content to dwell in their wagons and 



64 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

tents. Yet this was for no lengthened period, as in 1847 we find on record 
that houses were constructed Ijy William I. Tustin, now of San Francisco, 
Robert Semple, William Bryan, William Russell, Thomas 0. Larkin, Stephen 
Cooper, Nathan Barbour, Landy Alford, and a man named Benedict. 

In this year, too, Samuel Green McMahon arrived in the northern part of 
the county and located on certain lands in the Wolfskill grant, on Putah 
creek, while in the previous year Don Juan Bidwell, an American, who had 
adopted a Spanish sjTionym of his name, and had served against the Bear- 
flag party with the Spaniards, received a grant of land in what is now Rio 
Vista township. About this time William McDonald, of Benicia, purchased 
a farm ld the Sulphur Spring valley, on what was for many years after 
known as the Wood's ranch, and there broke the first ground in the south- 
ern portion of the county, and produced crops, principally of vegetables, 
which were a marvel to those early residents who had come from the 
Eastern agricultural States. 

In the fall of the year 1847, Captain Von Pfister, traveling overland, 
visited the site of the present State Capital. His journey was made through 
that portion of the district now known as Solano County, he having started 
from Benicia and forded the Rio de los Putos, somewhere between Wolf- 
skill's house and that portion of the marsh where the creek loses itself in 
the tules, presumably at the point where the old Spanish trail crossed that 
stream. There were then only five houses between these two points, at 
four of which the captain visited. The first was that of the Indian, Jesus 
Molino, at Rockville ; here he found about one hundred acres of gi'ound 
under cultivation, producing beans, peas, wheat, barley, and other cereal and 
bulbous plants with which the producer was wont to purchase his necessaiy 
stores ; his farming implements were of the most primitive kind, the plough 
used being the crooked limb or elbow of a tree, armed with a pointed, 
rough, iron socket, which was unevenly dragged through the soil. He next 
visited the Berry ranch, in Suisun valley, and here found a clap-board house, 
the only one in the district of the kind ; and hence he proceeded ia turn 
to the ranches of Armijo and Vaca and Peiia, and made his exit from the 
county as already described. 

This year of 1847 may be said to close the pre-historic days of the State, 
for it was not until the following year that California became a household 
word and had her name tremblingly and hopefully pronounced by eager 
lips. As things were then, matters progressed smoothly, but it was little 
calculated what was in store for the county in the f utm-e ; Avhat there was 
we shall attempt to define as we go on. 

The j'ear 1848 is one wherein reached the nearest attainment of the dis- 
covery of the Philosopher's stone, which it has been the lot of Christendom 
to witness : on January 19th gold was discovered, at Coloma, on the 
American river, and the most unbelieving and cold-blooded were, by the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 65 

middle of spring, irretrievably bound in its fascinating meshes. The wonder 
is that the discovery was not made earlier. Emigi'ants, settlers, hunters, 
practical miners, scientific exploring parties, had camped on, settled in, 
hunted through, dug in and ransacked the region, yet never found it ; the 
discovery was entirely accidental. Franklin Tuthill, in his History of Cal- 
ifornia, tells the story in these words : Captain Sutter had contracted with 
James W. Marshall, in September, 1847, for the construction of a saw-mill, 
in Coloma. In the course of the winter a dam and luce were made, but 
when the water was let on, the tail-race was too narrow. To widen and 
deepen it, Marshall let a strong current of water directly into the race, 
which bore a large body of mud and gravel to the foot. 

On the 19th of January, 1848, Marshall observed some glittering particles 
in the race, which he was curious enough to examine. He called five car- 
penters on the mill to see them ; but though they talked over the possibility 
of its being gold, the vision did not inflame them. Peter L. Weimar claims 
that he was with Marshall when the first piece of the " yellow stuff " was 
picked up. It was a pebble, weighing six pennyweights and eleven grains. 
Marshall gave it to Mi's. Weimar, and asked her to boil it in saleratus water 
and see what came of it. As she was making soap at the time, she pitched 
it into the soap kettle. About twenty-four hours afterwards it was fished 
out and found all the brighter for its boiling. 

Marshall, two or three weeks later, took the specimens below, and gave 
them to Sutter, to have them tested. Before Sutter had quite satisfied 
himself as to their nature, he went up to the mill, and, with Marshall, made 
a treaty with the Indians, buying of them their titles to the region round 
about, for a certain amount of goods. There was an effort made to keep the 
secret inside the little circle that knew it, but it soon leaked out. They had 
many misgivings and much discussion whether they were not making 
themselves ridiculous ; yet by common consent all began to hunt, though 
with no great spirit, for the " yellow stuff " that might prove such a prize. 

In February, one of the party went to Yerba Buena, taking some of the 
dust with him. Fortunately he stumbled upon Isaac Humphrey, an old 
Georgian gold-miner, who, at the first look at the specimens, said they were 
gold, and that the diggings must be rich. Humphrey tried to induce some 
of his friends to go up with him to the mill, but they thought it a crazy ex- 
pedition, and left him to go alone. He reached there on the 7th of March. 
A few were hunting for gold, but rather lazily, and the work on the mill 
went on as usual. Next day he began " prospecting," and soon satisfied 
himself that he had struck a rich placer. He made a rocker, and then com- 
menced work in earnest. 

A few days later, a Frenchman, Baptiste, formerly a miner in Mexico, 
left the lumber he was sawing for Sutter at Weber's, ten miles east of 
Coloma, and came to the mill. He agreed with Humphrey that the region 



66 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

was rich, and, like him, took to the pan and the rocker. These two men 
were the competent practical teachers of the ci'owd that flocked in to see 
how they did it. The lesson was easy, the process simple. An hour's 
observation fitted the least experienced for working to advantage. 

Slowly and surely, however, did these discoveries ci'eep into the minds of 
those at home and abroad ; the whole civilized world was set agog with the 
startling news from the shores of the Pacific. Young and old were seized 
with the California fever ; high and low, rich and poor, were infected by it ; 
the prospect was altogether too gorgeous to contemplate. Why they could 
actually pick up a fortune for the seeking it ! Positive aflluence was within 
the grasp of the weakest ; the very coast was shining with the bi'ight metal 
which could be obtained by picking it out with a knife. 

Says Tuthill : Before such considerations as these, the conservatism of 
the most stable bent. Men of small means, whose tastes inclined them to 
keep out of all hazardous schemes and uncertain enterprises, thought they 
saw duty beckoning them around the Horn, or across the plains. In many 
a family circle, where nothing but the strictest econonomy could make the 
two ends of the year meet, there were long and anxious consultations, 
which resulted in selling ofl' a piece of the homestead or the woodland, or 
the choicest of the stock, to fit out one sturdy representative to make a for- 
tune for the family. Hundreds of farms were mortgaged to buy tickets for 
the land of gold. Some insured their lives and pledged their policies for an 
outfit. The wild boy was packed oft' hopefully. The black sheep, of the 
flock was dismissed with a blessing, and the forlorn hope that, with a 
change of skies, there might be a change of manneis. The stay of the 
happy household said " Good-bye, but only for a year or two," to his charge. 
Unhappy husbands availed themselves cheerfully of this cheap and i-eput- 
able method of divorce, trusting Time to mend or mar matters in their 
absence. Here was a chance to begin life anew. Whoever had begun it 
badly, or made slow headway on the right course, might start again in a 
region where Fortune had not learned to coquette with and dupe her 
wooers. 

The adventurers generally formed companies, expecting to go overland or 
by sea to the mines, and to dissolve partnership only after a first trial of luck 
together in the " diggings." In the Eastern and Middle States they would buy 
up an old whaling-ship, just ready to be condemned to the wreckers, put in 
a cargo of such stufi" as they must need themselves, and provisions, tools, or 
goods, that must be sure to bring returns enough to make the venture pro- 
fitable. Of course, the whole fleet rushing together through the Golden 
Gate, made most of these ventures profitless, even when the guess was 
happy as to the kind of supplies needed by the Californians. It can hardly 
be believed what sieves of ships started, and how many of them actually 
made the voyage. Little river-steamers, that had scarcely tasted salt water 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 67 

before, were fitted out to thread the Straits of Magellan, and these were 
welcomed to the bays and rivers of California, whose waters some of them 
ploughed and vexed busily for years afterwards. 

Then steamers, as well as all manner of sailing vessels, began to be adver- 
tised to run to the Isthmus ; and they generally went crowded to excess 
with passengers, some of whom were fortunate enough, after the toilsome 
ascent of the Chagres river, and the descent either on mules or on foot to 
Panama, not to be detained more than a month waiting for the craft that 
had rounded the Horn, and by which they were ticketed to proceed to San 
Francisco. But hundreds broke down under the horrors of the voyage in 
the steerage, contracted on the Isthmus the low t3q3hoid fevers incident to 
tropical marshy regions, and died. 

The overland emigrants, unless they came too late in the season to the 
Sierras, seldom suffered as much, as they had no great variation of climate 
on their route. They had this advantage, too, that the mines lay at the end 
of their long road ; while the sea-faring, when they landed, had still a 
weary joui-ney before them. Few tarried longer at San Francisco than was 
necessary to learn how utterly useless were the curious patent mining con- 
trivances they had brought, and to replace them with the pick, shovel 
pan, and cradle. If anyone found himself destitute of funds to go farther, 
there was work enough to raise them by. Labor was honorable ; and the 
daintiest dandy, if he were honest, could not resist the temptation to work 
where wages were so high, pay so prompt, and employers so flush. 

There were not lacking in San Francisco, grumblers who had tried the 
mines and satisfied themselves that it cost a dollar's worth of sweat and 
time, and living exclusively on bacon, beans, and " slap-jacks," to pick a 
dollar's worth of gold out of rock, or river bed, or dry ground ; but they 
confessed that the good luck which they never enjoj^ed abode with others. 
Then the display of dust, slugs, and bars of gold in the jDublic gambling 
places ; the sight of men arriving every day freighted with belts fiill, which 
they parted with so freely as men only can when they have got it easily ; 
the testimony of the miniature rocks ; the solid nuggets brought down from 
above every few days, whose size and value rumor multiplied according to 
the number of her tongues. The talk, day and night, unceasingly and 
exclusively of " gold, easy to get and hard to hold," inflamed all new 
comers with the desire to hurry on and share the chances. They chafed at 
the necessary detentions. They nervously feared that all would be gone 
before they should arrive. 

The prevalent impression was that the placers would give out in a year 
or two. Then it behoved him who expected to gain much to be among the 
earliest on the ground. When experiment was so fresh in the field, one 
theory was about as good as another. An hypothesis that lured men per- 
petually farther up the gorges of the foot-hills, and to explore the canons 



G8 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of the moimtains, was this : that the gold which had been found in the 
beds of rivers, or in gulches, through which streams once ran, must have 
been washed down from the places of original deposits farther up the 
mountains. The higher up the gold-hunter went, then, the nearer lie 
approached the source of supply. 

To reach the mines from San Francisco, the course lay up San Pablo and 
Suisun bays, and the Sacramento — not then, as now, a yellow, muddy 
stream, but a river pellucid and deep — to the landing for Sutter's Fort ; 
and they who made the voyage in sailing vessels, thought Mount Diablo 
significantly named so long it kept them company and swung its shadow 
over their path. From Sutter's the most common route was across the 
broad, fertile valley to the foot-hills, and up the American or some one of 
its tributaries ; or, ascending the Sacramento to the Feather and the Yuba, 
the company staked off a claim, pitched its tent or constructed a cabin, and 
set up its rocker, or began to oust the river from a portion of its bed. Good 
luck might hold the impatient adventurers for a whole season on one bar ; 
bad luck scattered them always farther up. 
******** 

Hoards sought the mining camps, which did not stop to study roads. 
Traders came in to supply the camps, and, not very fast, but still to some 
extent, mechanics and farmers to supply both traders and miners. So, as 
if by magic, within a year or two after the rush began, the map of the 
country was WTitten thick with the names of settlements. 

Some of these were the nuclei of towns that now flourish and pi'omise to 
continue as long as the State is peopled. Others, in districts where the 
placers were soon exhaused, were desei'ted almost as hastily as they were 
begun, and now no traces remain of them except the short chimney-stack, 
the broken surface of the ground, heaps of cobble-stones, rotting, half- 
buried sluice boxes, empty whisky bottles, scattered playing cards, and 
rusty cans. 

The " fall of '49 and spring of '50 " is the era of California history, which 
the pioneer always speaks of with warmth. It was the free-and-easy age 
when everybody was flush, and fortune, if not in the palm, was only just 
beyond the grasp of all. Men lived chiefly in tents, or in cabins scarcely 
more durable, and behaved themselves like a generation of bachelors. The 
family was beyond the mountains ; the restraints of society had not yet 
arrived. Men threw off the masks they had lived behind and appeared out 
in their true character. A few did not discharge the consciences and con- 
victions they had brought with them. More rollicked in a perfect freedom 
from those bonds which good men cheerfully assume in settled society for 
the good of the greater number. Some afterwards resumed their temperate 
and steady habits, but hosts were wrecked before the period of their license 
expired. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 69 

Very rarely did men, on their arrival in the country, begin to work at 
their old trade or profession. To the mines first. If fortune favored they 
soon quit for more congenial employments. If she fro%vned, they might 
depart disgusted, if they were able ; but oftener, from sheer inability to 
leave the business, they kept on, di'ifting from bar to bar, living fast, reck- 
less, improvident, half -civilized lives; comparatively rich to-day, poor 
to-morrow ; tormented with rheumatisms and agues ; remembering dimly 
the joys of the old homestead ; nearly weaned from the friends at home, 
who, because they were never heard from, soon became like dead men in 
their memory ; seeing little of women and nothing of churches ; self-reliant, 
yet satisfied that there was nowhere any " show " for them ; full of enter- 
prise in the direct line of their business, and utterly lost in the threshhold 
of any other ; genial companions, morbidly craving after newspapers ; good 
fellows, but short-lived. 

Such was the maelstrom which dragged all into its vortex thirty years 
ago ! Now, almost the entire generation of pioneer miners, who remained 
in that business, has passed awa}'^, and the survivers feel like men who are 
lost and old before their time, among the new comers, who many be just as 
old, but lack their long, strange chapter of adventures. 

No history of a county in California would be complete without a record 
of the rush to this coast at the time of what is so aptly named the " gold 
fever;" hence use has been made of the graphic pen-picture quoted above. 
Where there were so many homeless, houseless wanderers, the marvel is 
not so much that thousands should have succumbed to sickness, as that 
there was no epidemic to sweep ofl" the entire reckless population. 

In the winter of 1849-'50 large numbers of miners repaired to Beniciai 
and there pitching their tents, plunged into the most head-long dissipation. 
Saloons and gambling hells were in full blast, large sums of money being 
spent on and in these canvass palaces, ornamented and embellished with the 
wildest display of meretricious splendor. In the spring of the year, when 
the weather opened, the majority returned to their will-o'-the-wisjD pursuit 
after Wealth in the mines, while those who remained, heart-sick at hope 
deferred, cast aside their rockers and picks, and betook themselves to the 
ploughshare, so to try their luck at fortune-making by the production of 
golden grain, as against the acquiring it from golden sand. In these years 
commenced the arrival, in numbers, of settlers in Solano county, a goodly 
share of her oldest and most worthy residents having each had, at one time 
or another, a long or a short spell at the mines, and truly do they love to 
narrate their experiences in these eventful years, which is usually done 
with a simplicity at once " child-like and bland." 

But to return to the settlement of Solano county: In 1848, John Stilts, 
who had two years previously visited the district, returned and settled in 
Green Valley, where he was shortly after followed by W. P. Durbin and 



70 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Charles Ramsey. In the following spring came Landy Alford from Benicia 
to the Suisun Valley, and located on the farm now owned by Lewis Pierce. 
Alford was of that class of whom the most stolid citizens are made. He 
was a man brought up on the frontier, and, as usual with such characters, 
lacked those more refined qualities which education and contact ■«'ith society 
brings. A man who was passionately fond of hu^nting, and when not 
engaged in the pursuit of deer, bear, or other wild animals, or recoimting 
his exploits to interested listeners, was silent, reserved, and almost moody. 
After his coming to this township, and when civilization became more 
advanced and game became sparse, he pushed on to the valley of the San 
Joaquin, where he died a few years ago. He, with many of the early set- 
tlers, have been gathered to their fathers on the brighter shores of the Great 
Beyond. A few are left awaiting the summons to join those who have gone 
before, but who shared with them the hardships and privations incident to 
pioneer life in this part of the Pacific .slope, erst the home of Solano and 
his tribe of Suisims. 

In this year, too, there established themselves in Vaca valley, J. H., W. 
B., and Garard Long, who were soon after followed by Marshall M. Basye ; 
General J. B. Frisbie, too, at this time arrived in Benicia : while there were 
others, who it has been impossible to trace, arri\ang almost daily. Most of 
these have been gathered to their fathers ; while some have left the county 
to reside in other parts of the State. In the fall of 1850, John R. Wolf skill 
was joined by his brother Mathias, on his grant on Putah creek ; the same 
season Nathan Barbour transferred his residence to Suisun valley ; while in 
that year, among the arrivals in the county, were J. H. Bauman, W. A. 
Dunn, and his family (among whom was Alexander, the present County 
Clerk of Solano), who located in Fairfield in December, but afterwards 
moved permanently to Vaca valley ; Dr. Frisbie, and Paul K. Hubbs and 
his family, in Benicia ; S. W. Long, in Vacaville ; and Harvey Rice, of 
Suisun. 

In 1850, Benicia had assumed considerable proportions as a city ; while, 
through the auspices of General Vallejo, another town, within seven miles 
of it, was commencing to spring into existence. This is now the city of 
Vallejo, which was to have been called Eureka, and at one time actually 
bore the name of Eden. It is known to all how this county became the 
possessor of the legislature — it fluctuating between Vallejo and Benicia, 
until it was gobbled up by Sacramento — the full history of these doings 
appear in another portion of the work ; and also to this period belongs the 
credit of seeing the erection of the first two-storied frame building in the 
county. This was built by Daniel M. Berry, in the summer of 1850, and is 
now occupied by his son, Elijah Berry ; it being located on the farm of 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 71 

Joseph Blake. The following years still saw the population on the increase ; 
in 1851, came E. F. Gillespie, to the upper end of Suisun valley, where he 
commenced farming and haying ; Robert and Thomas Brownlie, with their 
families, to Vallejo ; James G. Edwards, to Suisun, locating on the farm now 
OAvned by John McMullen ; Charles Ramsey, to Green valley ; about this 
time there settled, also. Captain Wing. In the following year, among those 
who cast their lot in the county, were W. G. Davisson, George A. Gillespie, 
the present Deputy County Clerk, a most worthy gentleman, and a complete 
encyclopoedia of information in the various affairs of the country since the 
date of his location in it ; J. B. Lemon, the present County Treasurer, in 
Green valley ; Christley Manka, in Suisun township ; Elijah S. Silvey, in 
Silveyville, from whom that village and township takes its name ; and Dr. 
0. C. Udell, on Putah creek. At this epoch of the county's history, there 
was only one blacksmith shop ; it was situated at the foot of Suisun valley, 
and kept by J. M. Perry ; to this establishment had the farmers from miles 
around to come to get their ploughs repaired, their harrows mended, and 
horses shod, consuming, in many instances, two entire days. In 1852, the 
first store was opened in the Suisun valley, by J. W. Seaver, on the ground 
now occvxpied by Sam. Martin, which lessened the distance to procure the 
necessary commodities for existence. The country had now become well 
populated ; the wild oats of earlier years showing a commencement of van- 
ishing before the enterprise of the new-comers ; they for the while contented 
themselves with but scant covering from the rude winds ; a log cabin, of 
proscribed dimensions and primitive build, was all that the greater number 
could afford. True, John R. Wolfskill had already built a fine frame dwell- 
ing on the banks of Putah creek, the timber for which he had procured 
from Benicia, a distance of forty miles, which cost him a " bit" a foot, and 
for transporting which, he providing horses and wagons, he paid a driver 
sixteen dollars a day. The later arrivals were not thus blessed ; their mode 
of getting along was different. A few acres would, at the outset, be enclosed 
by a ditch and mound, with brushwood heaped on top, to protect the rising 
crops from the depredations of the wild oxen and other animals ; timber 
was not to be procured save under disadvantageous circumstances of fatigue 
and risk ; while a still greater enemy was ever to be feared in the firing of 
the uncut portions of the wild oats, which, when ignited, burned with 
fearful rapidity. Civilization had, however, made its impress upon the 
land. Hay was made ; grain was grown ; and though the markets were at 
a long distance from the producer, even at this early date small crafts found 
their way to the Suisun embarcadero, and transported the freight, to what 
was then, the thriving city of San Francisco. 



72 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

We. quote from the abstract of the census of 1852, of the State of Cali- 
fornia, the following return, having reference to Solano county : 

Population 2,835 

Whites, male 2,324 

Whites, female 402 

Citizens, United States, over 21 years of age 1,298 

Negroes, male 26 

Negroes, female 2 

Mulattoes, male 35 

Mulattoes, female None. 

Indians, male 31 

Indians, female 15 

Foreign residents, male 790 

Foreign residents, female 101 

The quantity of land under cultivation in 1852, was five thousand nine 
hundred and forty-nine acres, which was situated chiefly in the Suscol, 
Sulphur Spring, Green, Suisun, Ulattis, Yaca, and Putah valleys. 

The number of horses, cattle, and live stock generally, is appended : 

Horses , 1,957 

Mules 187 

Milch Cows 2,185 

Beef Cattle 1,085 

Hogs 2,264 

Sheep 2,000 

Oxen 1,149 

The quantity of produce raised in the county was : 

Bushels of Barley 105,630 

Bushels of Oats 13,870 

Bushels of Com 3,555 

Bu-shels of Wheat 8,395 

Bushels of Rye 100 

Bushels of Potatoes 25,905 

Tons of Hay ••••.. 2,146 

Number of Grape Vines 5,811 

Number of Fruit Trees 1,961 

Tlius is seen what gigantic strides had been made towards the establish- 
ment of Solano county as a centre of agricultural production, and with 
what just pride may we now refer to those of our relations and friends who 
are still alive, who did so much towards bringing the valleys, and now some 
of the mountains, within the influence of the plough. It is not within the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 73 

province of this work to follow individual by individual in his location in 
the county ; it has been a sufficiently intricate task to particularize those 
few whom we have enumerated ; how much more difficult, therefore, would 
it be, were it possible, even to account for the two thousand and more who 
were already settled in the county in the year 1852. As year followed 
year, the cry of immigration was " still they come ;" as month succeeded 
month the wants of the communities were supplied. Churches were built, 
schools established; peace, order and good government were maintained as 
effectively as could be ; while the judicial system had been put into practi- 
cal operation. 

The first hotel opened in the county was naturally at Benicia, the then 
metropolis of Solano. It was carried on in an adobe house, by Major 
Stephen Cooper, and named the " California House." The Major kept it 
but for a short time, when it passed into the hands of Captain E. H. Von 
Pfister, at a rental of five hundred dollars a month. The first church was 
one for the Presbyterian order, constructed by the residents in 1849, the 
frame having been imported from one of the Eastern States, and occupied 
by Doctor Sylvester Woodbridge, now of San Francisco. The first school 
was opened in 1849. The first birth was that of a daughter to the wife of 
Nathan Barbour; the first marriage occurred on December 16, 1847, being 
that of Doctor Robert Semple to Miss Fannie Cooper, daughter of the Judge 
of the Court of First Instance, Major Stephen Cooper, at which there was 
considerable merriment ; and the first record of a death, is that of John 
Semple, a young man of twenty-one years of age, and son of the Doctor by 
a former marriage. 

In December, 1851, the plat of the town of Vacaville was filed, the origi- 
nal grantors of the land being sponsors for the same ; while in every portion 
of the county immigrants arrived, and locations taken up on all sides. Such, 
indeed, was the influx of settlers into these valleys, the fertility of which 
had already been noised abroad, that we find, in the year 1853, the estab- 
lishment of a post-office at Cordelia^ a small village, which now only exists 
in name. In this year, Doctor S. K. Nurse established himself at a spot, 
which he named Nurse's Landing, now known as Denverton, where he 
built a residence, and in 1854, continued his enterprise by building a wharf 
of considerable size, and a store as well. 

Let us now consider what the prospects of the county were in 1855, 
as we gather from statistics. In that year the amount of land within the 
county, was 535,000 acres, of which thei'e were under cultivation, 18,500 
acres, divided as follows : 

Mowed for Hay 4,000 acres— yield 6,000 Tons. 

Planted in Wheat 7,500 acres— yield 150,000 Bushels. 

Planted in Barley 5,200 acres— yield 156,000 Bushels. 

Planted in Oats 700 acres— yield 28,000 Bushels. 



74 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Planted in Corn 700 acres— yield 21,000 Bushels. 

Planted in Potatoes . . 200 acres— yield 30,000 Bushels. 

Planted in Onions ... 50 acres — yield 50 Tons. 

Planted in Broom-corn 135 acres — jdeld . . . . ♦ 

Planted in other crop. 26 acres — yield 

The estimated stock of animals was : 

Horses 3.000. 

Cattle 24,000. 

Mules 300. 

Sheep 18,000. 

Goats 200. 

Hogs 17,000. 

While the value of animals slaughtered was approximately stated to be 
$100,000, an emphatic proof of the increase of population. This, however, 
did not rest here, railways were mooted, steamboats already plied to Suisim, 
which daily left loaded to the water's edge with produce for the San Fran- 
cisco market. Early every morning strings of wagons, sometimes of forty 
or fifty in number, arrived with large loads of grain and vegetables, which 
were borne down the muddy slough and through the vast bleak expanse of 
tule to the centre of traffic. Suisun was then the outlet for all the surroud- 
ing country ; the county, through the energies of successive governments, 
had been intersected in every direction by good roads, making travel easy 
and pleasant ; the fertile valleys were becoming more thickly peopled as 
day succeeded day ; a ready market was found for produce, and all went 
" merry as a marriage bell." The attention of the reader is called to the 
following report of the County Assessor in 1862 as an example of what 
remarkable progress was made in the first ten years of the agricultural 
history of Solano. 

Description. No. Acres. 

Valley Land adapted to tillage 292,000. 

Mountain and Hill Land suitable for grazing 'purposes.. . 118,440. 

Swamp and Overflowed Lands, lying principally on the 

eastern and southern side of the county, about 92,000. 

The Bays and Estuaries within the borders of the county 

cover the surface of 43,000. 

Total 545,440. 

AGRICULTURAL LAND. 

Of the two hundred and ninety-two thousand acres of tillable land, 
there is not probably uj^on the face of the globe, so large an amount of 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 75 

farming land, lying in a compact form, that presents more alluring induce- 
ments to the husbandman than this. Experiments have proven it to be 
susceptable of the highest state of cultivation, yielding abundant harvests 
of the grains and fruits indigenous to every zone. Wheat, barley, oats, rye, 
corn, buckwheat, peas, beans, potatoes, yams, onions, etc., flourish luxuriantly 
while the growing of flax, hemp, tobacco, cotton, rice, broomcorn, and 
Chinese sugarcane, has been pronounced a success. Here also grow beauti- 
fully, the apple, peach, pear, plum, cherry, nectarine, quince, apricot, fig, 
orange, olive, pomegranite, pineapple, almond and prune trees ; and goose- 
berry, raspberry, sti'awberry, and grape vines, are yearly laden with fruit. 
We have according to statistics : 

Description. No. Acres. 

Land enclosed 115,774. 

Cultivated 44,454. 

In Wheat 14,256. 

Barley 15,687. 

Oats 580. 

Eye 320. 

Corn 970. 

Buckwheat 36. 

Peas 120. 

Potatoes 1,473. 

Onions 462. 

Hay 42,160. 

Alfalfa 23. 

Broom Corn 170. 

Of fruit trees and vines, we have : 

Description. Number. 

Apple trees, acres 15,996. 

Peach trees 32,381. 

Plum trees 1,592. 

Pear trees 3,573. 

Cherry trees 1,486. 

Apricot trees 2,144. 

Fig trees 1,772. 

Grape vines 520,630. 

Wine, manufactured, gallons 10,580. 

Brandy, manufactured, gallons 460. 

It will thus be seen that the inhabitants of Solano are not unmindful of 
the comforts that surround civilization, and make happy homes ; and as the 
great drawback on California, the land titles, are becoming adjudicated, new 
evidence of thriftiness and industry are being added to those already inau- 
gurated. 



76 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

GRAZING LAND. 

This portion of the county (one hundred and eighteen thousand four 
hundred and forty acres) consists of the mountain spurs of the Coast 
Range, and lie on the eastern side of the dividing ridge between this county 
and Napa, and the low hills that are adjacent to, and form a portion of the 
shores of the Suisun hay. The surface is covered with a dense growth of 
" bunch grass " and wild oats, the former growing upon the summits and 
the north sides of the highest peaks, being green nearly the whole j'ear, and 
a grass of hardy growth, flourishing best \ipon the most sterile hills. It is 
valuable to the farmer, being very nutritious for stock. 

Of the wild oats it would seem almost superfluous to speak, being indig- 
enous to the soil, and familiar to nearly every inhabitant of California. 
But, lest there were some who have not visited this portion of the State 
when its growth is most abundant, I will endeavor to describe it : The seed 
bears a strong resemblance to the tame black oats, with this difference: it 
is smaller, and has a hirsute appendage that grows upon the base of the 
grain and nearly envelops it. This seemingly useless appendage has its 
uses. In the fall, the soil, after many months of iminterrupted sunshine, is 
hard and impenetrable, and would be impossible to seed were it not for the 
cracks that are produced by contraction. The oats ripen in the months of 
July and August, and are shattered by the action of the wind. 

Falling upon the hard and impervious earth, they could not take root if 
they did not make their way to these cracks, which they do in two ways : 

First. — The heavy fibres that surround it act as legs, and prevent the 
grain from lying close to the earth, at the same time being a sort of sail 
that catches the lightest breeze that blows, thus turning it over and over 
until it is safely lodged in the nearest crack, to await the coming rains of 
winter. 

Second. — The action of water upon these fibres has a singular and novel 
efTect. The first rains falling upon the seed, produce a desire for locomo- 
tion, or a crawling propensity, and, by a curious process, the grain will 
move itself several inches, thereby falling into cracks that are yawning to 
receive and nourish it. Early in the winter, the oats, sprouting from these 
cracks, give the earth the appearance of being spread with a beautiful net- 
work. 

This grass is the stand-by of the farmer. It nourishes his stock in the 
spring, fattens them in siunmer and fall, and sustains them in winter. From 
it he makes his hay, which is pronounced by good judges to be the best that 
is used. 

SWAMP AND OVERFLOWED LAND. 

As before remarked, om- estimate of the quantity of this land laying in 
this county is about ninety -two thousand acres. A few yeai-s since, this 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 77 

portion of our State was deemed valueless ; but more enlightened and recent 
experiments are awakening the public mind to the fact that it will be quite 
an important element in enhancing our future wealth. The manner of its 
disposal, as marked out by the Legislature of 1858, in a law enacted during 
that session, was a wise termination of this previously mooted question. 
Since the passage of that law, these lands are being rapidly taken up, and 
are yielding an increasing revenue to the State. Moreover, there is no one 
now who doubts the fact that these lands are a more speedy way to reclam- 
ation by private energy and enterprise than they would have been had they 
been jobbed out in large quantities to corporate associations and irrespon- 
sible parties. The more elevated portions of these lands in our county are 
being tilled to good advantage, and the day is certainly not far distant 
when this now neglected soil will be made to furnish support and susten- 
ance to thousands of immigrants arriving upon our shores. 

MINERAL LAND. 

This county has long since been denominated a " cow county;" therefore 
little will be expected under this head. Gold has been found, however, 
within our borders. There are about seven thousand acres of mountain 
and hill laying on the north of Township No. 7 N. R. 2 W., and on the 
south side of Township 8 N. R. 2 W., in the vicinity of Putah creek, from 
which gold dust has been taken to the amount of fifteen hundred dollars, in 
the past year. 

Stone has been found in several localities suitable for building purposes. 
Still, our quarries are inferior to those of Folsom. Our marble quarries 
have gained considerable celebrity, furnishing a peculiar kind of striped, 
variegated marble, that admits of the highest poli.sh, and is elegantly 
adapted for ornamental uses. These quarries are located upon the summits 
of the hills that suiTOund Suisun valley. 



The timber of Solano comprises several species of oak, pitch-pine, ash, 
cotton-wood, etc., growing upon the mountains, in some of the valleys, and 
on the margin of streams. It is worthless for any mechanical use, and 
serviceable only for fuel. It is the opinion of many, that as soon as the 
land is all fenced, and the annual fires prevented from ravaging the country, 
timber can be grown here as successfully as upon the praiiies of Illinois or 
elsewhere. 

LIVE STOCK. 

We come now to a branch of industrial pursuit that, next to our agricul- 
tural interests, surpasses all others in point of importance. The rearing of 
stock of every species has occupied the attention of our citizens for years ; 



VS TIIK mSTOUY (»K SOl.ANO ('(n'NTY. 

«i\il iijiou WO otlior nvtifntiim Im.s Uu> snnu* niuoiiiil of iiionoy lioon oxpoiulcd 
U.S upnit tliiH, St-iillions, Imlls, jacks, nuil rams of tlio i-hoicost bivotls, Itavo 
luH>n impiirti'il U\n\\ Kiii>>i>o and t.lu> nKlcr St.atos. If tlu> snino inU>ivst tliat 
is now Inkcu in r<\s;;anl to (ho i\i>jirovi>n»ont. of our l>n>oils of stock, ivuiaii\ 
unalxitcil, \vitl» (lie lu>altl»ful climato wo possess, tlio time is ni>t far dist^uit 
when \vc will pixuhlly toko rank with the stock-rnisinjj localities of the 
Kast. Aoi-ordiMj;- to ouv statistics, wc l>avo as I'olUnvs : 

l\>»orii>U>u\. NmniR>r. 

IU>rs(>.s, Auicrican l.IHS 

Uoixos, Sj^vuish 2.1>(>7 

Mnlos 2(51) 

fattlo, Auvcrican i">.l>52 

(.'attlo, Sjvjvnish S.t)3-i 

t>xo« (^\\>kc) U50 

Kl\oop lS-2.000 

lK>j;p) 1 l,7o7 

Ohickcns 12.iU50 

l\»rkcYs, 2,4.^•J 

Duoks. , , "^t'O 

t^MWO I -S 

\\\m>K Au\cvvo»i\. |H>umls lo4.lHH> 

Wool, Sjvuxish, potntds SiO.CHH) 

f 
IMVROYKMRNI'S, 

Our b»nUlu\4»s ftr»^ W^innu\4j to assnino m\ apjH^rsuiw of stabilitv. Rod- 
wvvhI sh8U\ti«\s atv Winsj sv»ppla\\t<Hl 1\y ^\>mfvM-taWo frame and brick dwel- 
Ht»^ ; suKstontial plank feuvw* atv tnkiujjtho plaivof the nus<M-:\ble ditclu^ 
so Kwijj v»!H\l ; and Ivwns and stables aiv Knviniug indisjvusjvble to every 
fa.H«or. 

Of our pnblic iu^piweu^ents wo have; /\"j>-f — The l"nit<\l Stat«>* Navy 
YarvJ. at Ma»v Islauvl- This island Hos nt>ar tho sovul»ern sl»oiv v\f the 
wvuvty, opjHviiite the tv^wn ^\f YaUejiv It was formerly the pwjHMty of 
t^enoral Yallejvv and was p»nvhas»\l by t\>vornment v>f \Ym, H, Aspinwall. 
fvxr the svu»» of eijjhty thousanvl vKUlai-s, The in\menst> sum v>f four n»illun\s 
t\ve hnuvhwl tlvovisanvl xUxUax^ has Kvn ex\vnvh\l in buildinjj d^vks capable 
v\f raisiixjj vt-^ss^^ls v\f the lai"^^t class, and the following nan\i\i buildings, 
which aiv i\\ustnu'T<\l in the JUvvst durable manner, v\f brick ai\d st^Mie-. 
fv>ur naval stoiv-hvn»,-5v\<, sixty-tiv<* by fv^ir hundnxl ftvt each ; Wacksinith 
shojx two hu»\d»\\i by twv^ huuvhwl and tifty f«vt ; fv>«ndry,t»\v hundr^\l by 
nine hundiwl tWt— x^\d tv> Iv the laj-gv>st bwiid»»i^of ti.e kind in iho l'nit<Hi 
Sitat<v* ; thvr<<vn elegant «>^sidenl^^ fvtf vxlRcx^rs ; a luagaaine, sixty-tiw by 
>,v«e hun»ii>\l ftvt, and a s*\* wall vw bulklu\»d lour hvmdrevi fe»;^t long, 

Thk V^xoino XUn, «,\x\irAS\. — This cvuwjNany has, at R^nicia, two build- 



TiiK msnutY or sm.ANd coi'ntv. 79 

iilijs ol" larL;;i> tliiiuMlsioiis, uscil as a roiimlry ami iiiacliiiif .slio]). Ilin- (licy 
ii'iniir aiul coal tlicir sU-amors, lii'siilcs doiiii^- an iiimn'iist' aiiiomil ol' work 
for other partii-s. 

M.utvsvii.i.io AN1> San Kkancisco Kaiihoah. Of this road, forty cii^'ht 
mill's am looatoil in Solano i-ounty. Twenty two niilos from I'utali i-rook 
to Siiisini - an- ijiiuU'd at a cost of alioiit oi\(' tlionsanil ilolliirs pci' iiiilo- 
(>iir comity owns stock in this road to the amount of two hundred thousaml 
dollars. 

CoiMtr lldi'SK AND .Iaii,. Ouv county has n'cently com|>leted a new 
(\uii-t House and tiail, at a cost, of thirty live thousand dollars. 'riu> 
amount was raised by siu'cial assessment. 

liinsi' Mil.l.s. — We haAc two eiist mills-ouo Iniilt of stone, and not yot 
linisliod ; is to have four rtni of s(one, and to cost fifteen thousand di>llars. 
Tile other is huilt of Inick, at a cost of twonty-livo tliousand dollars. It 
has three run of stone, and is proptdled by a forty-horso-powcr enjjino ; lias 
^'round two thousand live hundred and twelve tons of grain durin^j; the past 
y>>ar, and is capable of making seven hundred and eighty barrels of flour per 
week. 

ASSESSMENTS. 

Assessed value of real estate ISCO $l,-2]7.47-'.48 

Assessed value of iniprovenu>nts TOi.oUi.OO 

As.sessed value of jiersiiual property 1,900,712. r)0 

ToUvl S:VSS-2,70t).!)S 

It can be gathered from the fori>going reptn't how much the ^n'osperity 
of Solano ci)unty hail increased. \\'ith the est-ablishment of the Navy Yard 
on Mare Island, a full account of which will be foinid elsewhere, a new lini- 
of labor was imported, whereby the .skilled mechanic was introduced to this 
portion of the State, who brought a variety of excellent qualities which 
have made many of them citizens worthy of thi> best coniidence of their 
fellow residents. Among these may bo named Messrs. A. I'owell. .lohn 
Went worth, Honorable 0. B. Denio, and others, who have tjtken prominent, 
positions in the supervisoral chair, county otlices, and the political rostrum. 

In later years the racitie Mail Company have almost entirely withdrawn 
their interests from Benicia ; these works, therefore, have fallen into disuse. 

Let us now present the statistical report for the year 1^71) furnished to 
the Surveyor-Cicneral by the Assessor for Solano county, which shows a 
most flourishing condition of atl'airs when taken in ooutradistiuction witli 
those which we have already alludei.1 to: 



80 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Description. Number. Number. 

Land inclosed — acres 9,652 

Land cultivated — acres 109,394 

Wheat — bushels and acres 1,965,175 93,575 

Barley — bushels and acres 553,665 15,819 

Oats — bushels and acres 4,700 145 

Corn — bushels and acres 5,980 237 

Beans — bushels and acres 400 25 

Potatoes — tons and acres 60 20 

Sweet potatoes — tons and acres 23 11 

Hay — tons and acres 19,515 13,502 

Butter— pounds 118,800 

Wool— pounds 427,240 

Value of fruit crop — dollars 112,000 

Bearing orange trees 264 

Grape vines — acres 1,387 

Wine — gallons 149,710 

Brandy — gallons 2,200 

Breweries 3 

Beer— gallons 180,000 

Horses 5,476 

Mules 622 

Horned cattle 12,790 

Sheep 71,146 

Cashmere and Angora goats 35 

Hogs 8,322 

Grist mills (steam power) 3 

Flour made — barrels 312,000 

Corn ground — bushels 1,000 

Miles of railroad 56 



ASSESSED VALUE OF PROPERTY FOR 1876. 

Description. Value. 

Real estate $6,350,519 

Improvements 1,560,895 

Personal property 1,327,248 

Total valuation $9,238,662 

Estimated total population 20,750 




c.^^^^^^^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 81 

Among the many improvements that have been worked in the county, 
more especially those of a public nature, which attract the largest share of 
attention, is the 

GOOD templars' HOME FOR ORPHANS. 

This beautiful structure is situated on an eminence commanding a fine 
view of the city of Vallejo, Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo and Napa bays, 
the Straits of Carquinez, and the varied and beautiful mountain scenery 
adjacent thereto, including Mounts Diablo and Tamalpais. It is a frame 
building 110x71 feet, three stories high, with a Mansard roof, and will 
accommodate about three hundred inmates. The rooms in each story are 
lofty and well ventilated, the general plan being well adapted for the pur- 
poses for which it was designed ; while the interior and exterior archi- 
tectural design and finish are highly beautiful. 

This noble work is the property of the Good Templars of California and 
Nevada, and will ever stand as a monument of their enterprise, disinter- 
ested benevolence, and charity. Its doors are open to ALL orphans under 
fourteen years of age, without distinction. The origin of this orphanage is 
ascribed to Mrs. Elvira Baldwin, of Sacramento. 

In December, 1867, W. H. Mills, then the Grand Worthy Secretary of the 
Order of Good Templars, being inspired with the idea suggested, visited 
George W. Simouton at Vallejo, and they formed the plan, and were the 
originators of the Orphans Homestead scheme. On December 3d, by request 
of Mr. Mills, Mr. Simonton introduced the subject to the officers and mem- 
bers of Vallejo Lodge No. 64, I. 0. G. T., at which time the following 
committee was appointed to consider the matter : George W. Simonton, A. 
D. Wood, and S. C. Baker. This committee immediately placed itself in 
communication with the Executive of the Grand Lodge, Messrs. R. R. Mer- 
rill, G. W. C. T. ; W. H. Mills, G. W. S. ; Mrs. F. L. Carlton, G. W. V. T. ; 
A. C. McDougal, G. W. Counsellor. After considerable correspondence 
between the two committees, that first named proposed to " incorporate a 
Homestead Association, purchase a tract of land, donate twenty acres to the 
Grand Lodge as a site for a Home for Orphans, divide the remainder of the 
tract into lots for the Homestead, to be sold at $100 each, and, after paying 
for the land and all incidental expenses, the excess of money should be 
placed in the hands of the Trust Committee of the Grand Lodge and the 
Directors of the Association, to be expended in the erection of suitable 
buildings on the site donated for the Home." The propositions were 
accepted by the Executive Committee of the Grand Lodge and one hundred 
and three acres were immediately purchased of John B. Frisbie, Edward 
Frisbie, and A. D. Wood ; Messrs. Wood, Simonton, Mills, Baker, E. H. M. 
Bailey, and C. A. Kidder, perfecting the Articles of Incorporation, Associa- 
tion, By-Laws, etc., with the following named persons as the original 
incorporators : A. D. Wood, W. H. Mills, George W. Simonton, Mary F. 
6 



82 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Carlton, S. C. Baker, Harriet T. Hildreth, E. H. M. Bailey, and C. A. Kidder. 

On January 22, 1868, a meeting of the Directors was had at the office of 
S. G. Hilborn, Esq., when A. D. Wood was elected interim President, and G. 
W. Simonton, Secretary pro tern. At a subsequent meeting had, January 29, 
1868, the same gentlemen, with E. H. M. Bailey as Treasurer, were named 
the permanent officers of the Association. 

On May 4, 18C8, the stockholders held their first meeting, at which time 
the same officers were selected, and S. C. Baker, C. A. Kidder, E. Giddings, 
J. F. Coftey, C. S. Haswell of California, and Adolphus Waitz of Nevada, 
were chosen Dii'ectors of the Association. 

The enterprise was liberally sujjported by the membei"s of the Order 
throughout the jurisdiction, many paying up the full pnce of the lot or 
shares subscribed for, viz., $100, at once. In the report of the Secretary, 
G. W. Simonton, presented September 23, 1868, the following intei-esting 
statistics appear : 

Total number of shares in the A.s.sociation 334 

Total number of shares sold 242 

The following named stockholders have paid for their shares in full : 

Shares. 

Elijah Wadsworth. . . . Yreka 1 

J. N. Chappelle Sacramento 2 

Henry Miller Sacramento 2 

Henry Ashcrof t Sacramento 2 

W. C. Ralston San Francisco 1 

Horace L. Hill San Francisco 1 

Alexander Badlam . . . San Francisco 1 

G. H. Greenwood Valk-jo 1 

N. Smith Vallejo 1 

Benjamin F. Cole Folsom 2 

The following Lodges of Good Templers also subscribed for stock, as follows: 

Shares. 

Pacific Lodge No. 1, of Santa Cruz, California. . 1 

Union Lodge No. 4, of Carson City, Nevada. ... 2 

Rainbow Lodge No. 9, of Washoe City, Nevada.. . . 2 

Roseville Lodge No. 255, of Roseville, California. . 1 

Morning Star Lodge No. 25, of Marysville, California. . 1 

California Lodge No. 7, of San Francisco, California. 2 

Reform Lodge No. 287, of Lincoln, California. ... 1 

Vallejo Lodge No. 64, of Vallejo. California 1 

Maine Lodge No. lOO.of Binghainpton.California. 2 

Sylvania Lodge.. . .• No. 12, of Grass Valley, California. 2 

Red Blutr Lodge No. 1 92, of Red Bluff, California. . 1 

Evening Star Lodge No. 114,of SanFrancisco.CaUfomia. 1 

Taylor Lodge No. 222, of Forbestown, California. 1 

Grand Lodge of California 20 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 83 

In his annual address delivered before the Grand Lodge at its ninth 
session in 1868, G. W. C. Templar, R. R. Merrill, speaking of this matter 
said : " This enterprise needs no vindication at my hands. It bears upon 
its face its own recommendations ; its affairs have been faithfully and 
honorably conducted and its merits are so patent to the common sense of 
all men, tliat I feel confident it will be fully appreciated without further 
encomium. The thanks of this Grand Lodge are due in an eminent degree 
to Brothers W. H. Mills, George W. Simonton, A. D. Wood, and others, for 
their energy, enterprise and zeal, in conducting its affairs to its present 
gratifying state of success." 

It should have been mentioned that at the eighth annual session of the 
Grand Lodge in 1867, a resolution was adopted authorizing a levy of one 
dollar for each member of the Order for the support of the Home. This 
appears to have been the first action taken towards laising money for the 
purpose of meeting the current expenses of the institution. At the ninth 
session the Constitution of the Grand Lodge was amended by the adoption 
of Article XVII, whereby the financial system of the Home was perfected. 
At this session the following persons were elected to serve as the first Board 
of Trustees for the Home : for the long terms. Doctor C. S. Haswell of 
Sacramento, George F. Mallett of Vallejo, and Joseph Middlemiss of Sacra- 
mento, those for the short terms being the Rev. N. B. Klink of Vallejo, J. 
A. Albertson of San Francisco, F. A. Hornblower of Sacramento, and M. H. 
Eastman of Marysville. At this session also the plans and specifications 
reported by the committee were approved by the Graiid Lodge, and adver- 
tisements soon appeared for proposals to construct the building ; when the 
time expired, however, the committee or Board of Trust found themselves 
without a single bid ; under these circumstances it was resolved by the 
Board after due consideration, to build the Home by day work, and it was 
unanimously agreed to employ Bro. E. M. Benjamin to superintend the 
same ; and as soon as practicable a force was set to quarry and supply stone 
for the foundation, which, fortunately, was obtained in the vicinity of the 
Home grounds. On May 11, 1869, the corner-stone was laid with appro- 
priate ceremonies and the construction of the building progressed very 
rapidly. In his annual address to the Grand Lodge at its tenth session, 
held in the Assembly Chambers at Sacramento, September 28th of that 
year, the G. W. C. T., A. D. Wood, speaking of the Home said : " But few 
can realize the labor which the successful prosecution of this enterprise has 
involved. The Order and the Cause owes a debt of gratitude to the pro- 
jectors of this scheme, and when its history is referred to, the names of 
Brothers Mills, Wood, Simonton and Benjamin should be remembered ; nor 
should the names of Carrington, Hornblower, and others be forgotten." At 
the same session the Grand Secretary, W. H. Mills, closed his report on 
Orphan's Home matters in the following language : " In closing my ofiicial 



84 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

relations with this institution, I may be indulged in the reflection that its 
existence and interests have occupied much of my time and thought, and I 
feel assured that its importance to our Order will be better understood and 
more fully appreciated in coming yeai-s. I indulge no fears of its failure 
and decline, for the Orphan's Home is in the line of true policy. If there 
are any who regret this and kindred undertakings, they are destined to be 
numbered with those who are to be forgotten when the true actors of this 
temperance reform come upon the stage. That reform will not go back- 
wards. Men may desert it ; they may renounce it ; they may fall by the 
wayside ; they may prove wanting in faith to believe, or courage to endure ; 
but others will arise to take their places, and the cause will finally triumph. 
In success or failure our Orphan's Home will be a proud landmark in the 
history of our cause. Greater achievements than this are yet to be accom- 
plished before this warfai-e is over ; greater labors are to be endured ; 
greater sacrifices made than any we are proposing to ourselves to-day, so, 
whatever may be the fate of our Home, it will have served a grand purpose, 
and one which cannot now be defeated." 

During the session of 1869, Brothers W. H. Mills, R. R. Merritt, and F. 
A. Hornblower, were appointed a Committee to memoralize the Legislature 
at its next session, pi-a3ang for a portion of such moneys as the State may 
set apart for the maintenance of orphans, in the State of California. This 
seems to have been the first step taken to secure State aid. At this session, 
G. W. Simonton, M. J. Wright, of Vallejo, W. H. Mills, and Brother East- 
man, of Sacramento, and C. B. Proctor, of Healdsburg, were elected trustees 
of the Home. In accordance with a resolution passed b}^ the Grand Lodge, 
on September 29, 1869, the Home was declared open for the admission of 
children ; on and after October 1st, when it was dedicated, with imposing and 
impressive ceremonies Doctor C. S. Haswell, P. G. W. C. T., delivering the 
address in the presence of a large number of the friends of the institution. 

To convey some idea of the deep interest taken by the members of the 
Order in this admirable undertaking, it may not be out of place to state 
that on the third day of the Grand Lodge Session, September 29th, Mi-s. 
Tlomteaux and Mrs. Hayden were appointed a committee to raise a collec- 
tion in the Grand Lodge, for the benefit of the Home. In a very short 
time they reported as collected : 

Gold S 248 50 

Currency 25 00 

And the following indiN-idual pledges : 

A. D. Wood $ 100 00 

J. Bartlett 50 00 

F. A. Hornblower 50 00 

J. V. B. Goodrich 20 00 

J. T. Counts 20 00 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 85 

N. V. Wagner 15 00 

R. Swarbrick 10 00 

R. G. Houston 10 00 

T. H. Woodworth 10 00 

And others 20 00 

Vallejo Lodge, No. 64 1,000 00 

Sacramento 500 00 

Brooklyn Lodge, No. 384 100 00 

Star of Hope Lodge, No. 32 100 00 

California Lodge, No. 7 100 00 

Athens Lodge, No. 286 100 00 

Union (of Nevada), No. 4 100 00 

Woodland, No. 237 100 00 

Eleven other lodges, $50 each 550 00 

San Francisco Dramatic Club 50 00 

Thirteen lodges 340 00 

Making a total of $3,618 50 

At every .succeeding session of the Grand Lodge, liberal donations and 
pledges were made in support of this noble charity. From 18G7 to 1878, 
inclusive, the donations and pledges thus made and paid into the Home 
treasury have amounted to $31,003 61, besides $12,504 75, -per capita, 
tax raised by the Grand Lodge, for the same purpose. 

While touching on the financial history of the Home, it will be proper 
here to repeat the closing remarks of Bro. George W. Simonton, Secretary 
of the Orphan Homestead Association, in his report under date September 
19th, 1870 : '■' In conclusion, permit me to say, that at the time the associa- 
tion was organized, we claimed the benefits to be derived from the associa- 
tion, to the Grand Lodge, for the Orphans' Home, would be twenty acres of 
land, and $20,000. Our figures above show twenty acres of land and 
$23,120 76, $3,500 of which is represented by thirty-five lots remaining 
unsold." 

The following Table will clearly explain the financial position of the 
Orphans' Home : 

Nucleus of the Home Building Fund was $23,120 76 

Donations from members of the Order to 1878.. . . 31,003 61 

Per capita tax paid by Grand Lodge 12,504 75 

Earnings of the Home, by fees, farm, etc 27,509 77 

Aid from-the State 24,186 02 

General Bidwell, Chico (donation) 1,000 00 

Sundry donations 149 25 

Making a grand total of $119,474 16 

raised for the erection and maintenance of the institution, up to September 
30th, 1878. 



8G THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

At the Twelfth Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, held in 1871, G. W. 
Siinonton, W. H. Mills, A. G. Clark, and J. B. Carrington, were elected 
trustees of the Home. It was at this session also that Grand Secretary W. 
H. Mills, in his report, advised the creation of a Board of Lady Managers ^ 
to have charge of the domestic affairs of the Home ; and the Grand Lodge, 
acting on the suggestion, elected the following as. a Board of Lady Managers : 
Mrs. E. J. Wilson, Mrs. N. B. Klink, Mrs. G. W. Simonton, Mrs. E. M. Ben- 
jamin, of Vallejo ; Mrs. E. C. Fowler, Valley Ford; Mrs. M. M. Carpenter, 
of San Francisco, and Mrs. C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento. 

The fu-st Board of Trustees chosen by the Grand Lodge, at its Ninth 
Session (the subsequent Boards are given seriatwi), were elected in : 

18G8 — Doctor C. S. Haswell, Joseph Middlemiss, of Sacramento ; George 
F. Mallett, Eev. N. B. Klink, of Vallejo ; J. A. AJbertson, F. A. Hornblower, 
and M. H. Eastman. 

1869— W. H. Mills, G. W. Simonton, M. J. Wright, F. A. Hornblower, 
C. B. Proctor, G. F. Mallett, and Joseph Middlemiss. 

1870— C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, M. H. Eastman, William Carpenter' 
M. J. Wright, Joseph Middlemiss, and G. F. Mallett. 

1871— G. W. Simonton, G. F. Mallett, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, J. B. 
Carrington, H. Crowell, and W. H. Mills. 

1872— G. W. Simonton, President; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G. 
Clark, I. S. Halsey, J. B. Carrington, and Rev. N. B. Klink. 

1873— W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, I. S. Halsey, 
J. B. Carrington, and A. G. Clark. 

1874 — W. H. Mills, President ; George B. Katzenstein, Secretary ; L S. 
Halsey, treasurer ; S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, J. B. Carring- 
ton, and A. G. Clark. 

1875 — J. B. Carrington, President ; W. Crowhurst, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, 
treasurer ; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, and S. Kitto. 

1876— A. G. Clark, President ; W. Crowhurst, Secretary ; I. S. Halsey, 
treasurer ; A. D. Wood, R. Thompson, W. H. Mills, and S. Kitto. 

1877— A. G. Clark, President; C. H. Haile, Secretary; I. S. Halsey, 
Treasurer; W. H. Mills, Robert Thompson, J. B. Carrington. and S. Kitto. 

1878 — George B. Katzenstein, President ; C. H. Haile, Secretary ; I. S. 
Halsey, Treasurer ; W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, A. G. Clark, — — Bagley, of 
Stockton, and T. T. Heald. 

The G. W. C. Templar and G. W. Secretary are ex officio members of all 
meetings of the Board of Trustees. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 87 

The first Board of Lady Managers chosen by the Grand Lodge (the sub- 
sequent Boards are given seriatim) was composed of the follo'wang ladies, 
who were elected in the year 

1871 — Mesdames N. B. Klink, President; G. W. Simonton, Secretary! 

E. J. Wilson, E. M. Benjamin, of Vallejo ; C. E. Fowler, Valley Ford; and 
C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento. 

1872 — Mesdames Klink, President ; Benjamin, Secretary ; Wilson, Fowler, 

F. L. Carlton, Huntoon, and Alsip. 

1873 — Mesdames Wilson, President ; Robbins, Secretary; Huntoon, Alsip, 
Carlton, C. B. Thompson, and Benjamin. 

1874 — Mesdames Carlton, President; Robbins, Secretary; Wilson, Ben- 
jamin, Thompson, A. G. Clark, of Napa, and M. M. Carpenter, of' San 
Francisco. 

1875 — Mesdames Carlton, President; J. Macarty, Secretary; Wilson, 
Alsip, Benjamin, Carpenter, and M. E. Partridge, of Oakland. 

1876 — Mesdames Carlton, President; Klink, Secretary; Wilson, Car- 
penter, Alsip, Partridge, and Clark. 

1877 — Mesdames Klink, President; Carpenter and Partridge, Secretaries; 
Clark, Thompson, Alsip ; V. A. Rix, of Washington Corner ; and M. G. 
Moriis, of Vallejo. 

1878 — Mesdames Klink, President ; Carpenter and Thompson, Secretaries ; 
Aslip, Clark. Rix, and Partridge. 

The first matron was Mrs. R. C. Armitage ; the second matron was Mrs. 
M. L. Pexton ; the third matron was Mrs. H. M. Chandler ; the fourth ma- 
tron was Mrs. Geo. Moms, (nee Mattie Parker) ; the fifth matron was Mrs. 
B. Derby ; the .sixth and present one, Mrs. L. Stewart. 

The teachers are Mi\ and Mrs. N. Smith. The average number of child- 
ren who have been admitted to the Home for Orphans since its foundation, 
is about four hundred ; while the approximate yearly attendance has been 
in the vicinity of fifty and sixty. Present number one hundred and three. 

The school is managed under the direction of the Board of Lady Man- 
agers, and the Vallejo Board of Education, with a daily attendance of about 
eighty pupils, twenty of whom are admitted from the outside. The school- 
rooms have been newly furnished with the best double desks, at a cost of 
about three hundred and fifty dollars, and paid for by voluntary subscrip- 
tions of members of the Grand Lodge, while visiting the Home in October 
last. We next draw attention to the 



88 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

NAPA AND SOLANO AGRICULTUKAL AND MECHANICAL ARTS SOCIETY. 

Was incorporated on June 24, 1872, under the Presidentship of M. R. 
Miller, ^\dth Messrs. J. B. Frisbie, and John M. Gregory, Jr., as Treasurer 
and Secretar^^ respectively ; and has for its object the holding of a District 
Fair, embracing the counties of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Lake, Mendocino, So- 
noma, and Marin, when premiums are offered in the following departments : 
Live Stock, Cereals, Fruits, Wines, and Daily Products, as well as foj" all 
manner of Agricultural Implements made in the district ; Domestic Manu- 
factui-es ; Carriages, Buggies, etc.; Saddlery, Harness, etc.: Painting, Orna- 
mental Work, etc.; Embroidery, Needlework, etc.; Bread, Crackers, etc.; 
Plants, Bouquets, etc.; with a special class where prizes are offered to child- 
ren. Special premiums are open to competitors; while there is a speed 
progi'amme which is carried out on each of the days during which the fair 
is held. The exhibition grounds and park are situated on the Napa road, 
about three miles from Vallejo, and cover an area of sixty acres, having 
buildings for th^ benefit of exhibitors ; while there is accommodation for 
from two to three hundi-ed animals. The hotel is a two-storied erection of 
handsome appearance ; the sheds are all in the very best condition ; while 
nothing is wanting that may ensure the comfort of the visitor. The race track 
is declared to be, by men of experience, one of tbe very best in the country 
for speed, while it possesses many other advantages. Up, until last year, 
the Society was more or less a private one ; but by operation of the Legis- 
lature last session, a sum of fifteen hundred dollars was granted to them, 
which now officializes their position, and calls for a yearly report from them 
to the State Board of Agriculture. The officers for the present year are : 
President, John B. Carrington ; Vice-President, John T. Dare ; Secretary, 
A. J. McPike ; Treasurer, J. K. Duncan ; Directors, John E. Williston, L. B. 
Abernethie, Robert Brownlee. W. P. Dm-bin, John Neate, John Callender, 
J. B. Hoji;, Stephen Eaton, John Wilson, William Carter, H. Connolly, John 
Brownlie, D. W. Harrier, C. Hartson, Luke Kelly, A. Goodyear, W. A. Fisher, 
J. C. Wolfskin, John Farnham, J. M. Thompson, S. S. Drake. 

Meetings are usually held in September of each year. 

We have, in the commencement of this chapter, entered upon the appear- 
ance of the county in the days when but few white men had penetrated 
into its wilds. A faint attempt was made to picture the beauties of the 
wild waste, as described by the lir'st settlers in Solano ; we now select a 
spot whither to allure the reader, namely, the 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Of all the spots worthy of a visit in the vicinity of Vallejo, none can, 
probably, compare with the White Suljjhur Springs in regard to the beauty 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 89 

of its surroundings. Originally being included in the grant to General 
Vallejo, he disposed of them to Milton Broekman, who, in turn, sold them 
to Henry Connolly, from him they were purchased by General J. B. Frisbie, 
and latterly, falling into the hands of the Vallejo Land and Improvement 
Association, the property was bought by James Kelly, the present proprie- 
tor, for the trifling sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. When the Springs 
became the property of General Frisbie he, with a taste which it would be 
next to impossible to excel, ornamented the grounds in the most lavish 
manner, expending no less a sum than one hundred and thirty thousand 
dollars in beautifying the property which consists of about one hundred 
and sixty acres. The management of the White Sulphur Springs is now 
vested in Mr. James Condon, than whom no more hospitable a host exists. 
These Springs lie in a north-easterly direction from Vallejo, with which 
city they are connected by coach, which runs the distance of four miles, 
direct from the railroad depot, and are situated in a hollow of the hills, 
which rise in easy slopes, surrounding them on all sides and protecting the 
grounds from the rough breezes of the bay. The road passes through a 
country of rare cultivation, cattle may be seen browsing on a thousand 
hills ; while the residences of the thriving farmers, with the bright sun 
glittering on their whitened walls, add an appearance of life to the scene, 
which goes a great way towards enlivening the prospect. For rare beauty 
the environs cannot be surpassed. In spring and summer the flowers and 
foliage attain their truest perfection ; the former in their brilliant colors, 
forming a charming contrast against the darker leaves of the trees. A small 
lake has been excavated, around which are secluded walks and cosy seats, 
placed within the shadow of the spreading weeping willow. An island in 
the centre, which is gained by a bridge or boats, is laid out with marvelous 
skill, revealing many a gorgeous vista of color ; here, again, the weary may 
find rest, the social enjoy their tete-a-tete, or the book-worm be free from 
intrusion. Summer houses and kiosks are built along the mai'gin of the 
water, aiTanged with tables and rustic chairs, where the merry tea or enchant- 
ing kettle-drum may be partaken ; while labyrinthine walks traverse the 
grounds in all directions, amply shaded by umbrageous trees, oSering seclu- 
sion to those who may wish to converse with " ling' ring sweetness long- 
drawn out." Canopied bowers and bosky dells, evergreen shrubbries, flower 
gardens and vineyard, diversify the sloping surface and give a fairy-like 
effect to the landscape that cannot well prove otherwise than enchanting to 
the visitor. Nature has given the White Sulphur Spring a magnificence of 
position which recalls the most perfect spots of Swiss scenery, and forms a 
watering place where the votary of pleasure may find delight, and the hard- 
worked city merchant obtain relaxation from the cares of business. 



90 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

THE SPRINGS 

Are cosily placed in a recess in the mountain side forming a small pond of 
about forty feet in circumferrence and built around with a rockery over 
which creepers and lichens cling in tangled confusion. The water presents 
a pale bluish color, imparting at first a slightly unpleasant odor, and is 
protected from the rays of the sun by a large weeping willow, while con- 
tiguous to it is a circular seat and table whereat the invalid or the curious 
may take the waters, which is not by any means unpleasant to the palate. 
The liquid it is believed has never been properly analyzed but it is princi- 
pally composed of sulphur with a very slight proportion of iron. To prove 
that there is nothing obnoxious in its flavor, this water is generally used on 
the premises, while the stock on the gi-ound drink it with great relish. 
Adjacent to those already described there is a sweet water spring bubbling 
forth the clearest and most delicious beverage for those who may not appre- 
ciate the medicinal properties of the former. 

THE BUILDINGS 

On the grounds are all of framework and of elegant design approached by 
a well kept carriage drive. The first erection which is passed on arrival 
is a kind of bachelors' home, for on the first floor is the saloon, containing 
bar and billiard room which connects by an archway; the appointments in 
these appartments are of the first order and in themselves should be an 
inducement to visitors. Off" the.Se there are lesser rooms, one being fitted 
up with a telegraphic apparatus, the wires of which connect with Vallejo 
and thence to San Francisco, while the other is used as a barber's shop and 
office. The second story is divided into one parlor or club-room, seven bed- 
rooms and a large and convenient bath-room with all the necessary improve- 
ments. Some fifty yards from this building stands the main structure, of 
two stories in height and protected on three sides by a spacious verandah. 
A wide flight of steps flanked on either side by well laid out parterres of 
flowers leads to the piazza from which entry is made into a dining room of 
grand proportions capable of accommodating one hundred and &ity guests, 
while adjoining it are spacious and well furnished sitting parlors. The 
upper fioor is entirely devoted to bed chambers of which there are sixteen 
of various sizes and all furnished with a view to the comfort of the occu- 
pants. Near the lake there is a neat detached building called Knoll Cottage, 
while in close proximity to the sulphur spring there are two others named 
respectively Spring and Linda Vista Cottages. These detached residences 
each contain one large room with alcove for bed, and three small single 
rooms, Avith lavatory, all furnished and carjjetted with every regard to com- 
fort. These tenements are also provided with verandahs, those of the two 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COXTNTY. 91 

latter commanding a prospect of the most ravishing order, situated as they 
are, half-way up the mountain, a panorama of the country is had, with all its 
variations of hill and dale, light and shadow ; while in the distance a glimpse 
is caught of the church towers and higher situated houses of Vallejo, backed 
in the distance by the expanse of water of the San Pablo bay and the coast 
range of mountains. The cottages are all that could be desired for families, 
or a party of friends. 

The Baths are eight in number, and are connected with the Springs 
by means of pipes, and thence distributed into the different rooms, where 
the receptacles are tin-lined. In a large room attached, is a monster boiler 
from which hot water is conveyed, which may, with a shower in each, be 
used at will. 

The Stables, too, are a feature on the premises, there being stalls for 
twenty-five horses ; sheds for buggies, and the necessary harness-rooms, 
with water laid on throughout. 

Gas is the means by which the different buildings are illuminated, which 
is manufactured in a gasometer, some distance off, and which answers ad- 
mirably. 

No description of the White Sulphur Springs can be considered complete 
without reference to the high mountain at the foot of which it stands. 
Capped, as it is, by large, unwieldy boulders, heaped upon each other in 
utter chaos, the ascent to which is gradual and smooth, and will well repay 
the adventurer to its summit; for from thence a grand and magnificent view, 
which brings, on a clear day, the city of San Francisco within its ken, is to 
be obtained. Nowhere vdthin such easy distance of the coast metropolis 
does there exist so pleasant a locality for recreation ; and with the many 
advantages of comfort and accessibility, which the Springs now possess, 
their is no reason why it should not be the most fashionable resort in Cali- 
fornia. 



TOLENAS SPRINGS. 

Among the various wonders that nature has so lavishly bestowed upon 
California, but few are more deserving of notice than her Mineral Springs. 
As though intending that every physical ill should be provided with an 
antidote, healing waters are made to rush forth from the bowels of the 
earth, and bubble up on the tops and sides of mountain chains. In these, 
the counties of Solano and Napa seem to be the most favored. 

The Solano, or Tolenas Springs — to the description of which the attention 



92 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of our readers will now be confined — are situated about five miles north of 
Suisun City, at an elevation of eleven hundred feet above the level of the 
sea, and in the midst of the most beautiful climate and romantic scenery. 
For more than half the distance the road from Suisun runs across the level 
valley, that, in the .spring, is carpetted with green turf and variegated with 
flowers of everj' hue. Groves of dark green oaks, with an occasional farm- 
house peeping from among the foliage, and here and there live stock quietly 
reposing, or eagerly feeding, di.splay a scene of beauty which can be rarely 
surpa-ssed. t 

Ascending the steep but smoothly sloped and gentlj- rounded hills, 
dotted with trees, a panorama of vast extent and great beauty is 
rolled out before you. To the south-east a broad plain extends as far as the 
eye can reach ; to the south Mount Diablo is the crowning point of a long 
chain of hills ; to the east, and north-east, the shimmei-ing tops of the snow- 
covered Sierra Nevadas shine through the deepening haze, vnth a richer 
glow than the glittering gold that is hidden deep beneath their icy crest. 

Arriving at " Empire Spring," and looking do-\vn the canon, is the " White 
Sulphur Spring." Before going further perhaps it ought to be mentioned 
that there are several mineral springs in this chain of hills, the principal of 
which seem to be the Empire, "White Sulphur, Seltzer, and Congress. The 
former is located near the head of a ra%-ine, on the south side of Soda 
Spring CaSon. This spring furnishes a considerable volume of water, that 
issues in a jet, ^^*ith a gurgling noise at intervals of from one to two seconds. 
The numerous hubbies that rise to the surface would indicate the pressure 
of a larger amount of carbonic acid gas in this than in any of the other 
springs ; but a careful analysis has failed to coniirm it. 

The White Sulphur Spring, as I have said, is near the foot of the canon, 
some 200 feet above the bed of the small stream that runs through the 
latter. The flow of water from this spring is small, probably not more 
than from three to four gallons daily, but it is highly impregnated with 
sulphxir, the smell of which is perceptible for some distance. From this 
spring can be seen the famous Suisun marble quary. 

The Congress Spring is but a short distance from the Empire, and very 
much resembles the latter, except that the escapement of gas is less. 

The Seltzer Spring is on the west side of the di\ade, overlooking the 
upper portion of Suisun valley. Its pellucid and sparkling waters are equal 
in taste to the best soda water ever drank, eclipsing in flavor at least, the 
more celebrated Congress and Empire. Each of the springs, with the 
exception of the White Sulphm-, issues from the fissues of a light, porous 
calcareous rock, of singular formation. 

These mineral waters have been knoM-n to, and even the resort of native 
Californians, for many years; but they have received but little attention 
until recently, when the following careful analysis of two of the springs by 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 93 

Dr. Hewston of San Francisco, discovered the valuable medicinal properties 
they contain. 

Component Parts. Congress. Empire. 

Specific gravity l.OOoG 1.0132 

Iodide of Potassium 0.24 1.64 

Chloride of Potassium 0.71 1.66 

Chloride of Sodium 2G.90 90.83 

Carbonate of Soda 6.67 14.38 

Biborate of Soda 2.-57 6.44 

Carbonate of Lime 6.04 4.46 

Carbonate of Magnesia 1.36 4.-57 

Carbonate of Iron 0.08 0.09 

Alumina 0.12 trace. 

Selica 0.20 0.40 

Dry solid matter in 1 pint 4-5.00 124.47 

Free Carb. Acid gas, cub. in 33.735 26.297 

Their value will be better appreciated by the persual of the following 
note from Drs. I. Eowell and B. A. Sheldon, and with which we shall close 
this description. 

" We have carefully examined the results of Doctor Hewston's analysis 
of the waters of the Congress and Empire Springs, and believe them 
possessed of remedial virtues superior to any other of the vaunted waters 
of California, and equal to any in the world. Their tonic, alterative, 
antacid and aperient qualities render them invaluable, when judiciously 
administered, in the treatment of various chronic affections." 

The consumption of these waters is becoming general throughout the 
State, superseding iif a great measure that from Napa county. 

Mention has elsewhere been made of the 

MARBLE QUARRY 

Near Suisun, the property of Judge Swan. We append verbatim the report 
to that gentleman of a Geological Survey of the locality, made by Mr. 
Charles Rueger in 1876. 

" From the examination of your property above specified, as made in 
your company, I have come to the following conclusions ; of course such a 
local examination of the grounds specified, does not enable me to give a 
correct picture of the geology of the entire vicinity, or an idea of the 
mineralogical value of lands adjoining near and far. My problem has been. 



94 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

as I conceived, merely to determine what of useful mineral is to be found 
on your property, above specified. That is to say, what I have not examined 
I cannot judge of. 

The rock formation on the above lands consist of alternating strata or 
layers of sandstone, limestone and argillaceous shale with an abundant 
variety of transition rock.s ; particularly of marls. 

The strata have the strike, or course, of the Coast Range, the eruption of 
which was evidently the cause of their upheaval in ages past. Their dip 
is therefore naturally to the north-east, the strike being N.W. — S.E. This 
agrees with the general position of the stratified rocks of the slate, and 
therefore serve as to guide the identification of strata in their continuation 
at a distance. 

There are many peculiarities in these strata that point to the coal forma- 
tion as the one to which they are probably to be ranked, even if they did 
not stand in line with the Mount Diablo coal deposits. Nothing of a fossil 
nature was found, however, to support or confirm such an opinion. Of 
course even the presence of strata, incident to the coal formation, would not 
necessitate the presence of coal strata, but merely makes it possible. The 
experience and geology of many regions shows this, and more. In Switzer- 
land, for instance, the coal formation is largely represented, and coal found 
in many places, but a number of companies have failed in the vain efibrt 
to find a paying deposit. They have been found invariably to be of limited 
extent, though often of good quality. 

In order to make my remarks better understood, I subjoin an outline of 
the topography of the locality from the county map, and have sketched in 
the approximate position of the various strata, as observed.* The figures 
give the source of the specimens of corresponding number, as accompanying 
this report. The dotted lines show the courses taken in three days' exami- 
nation of the ground. 

The course over the Marble Quarry Hill, gave the following observations 
of importance : 

The hill consists mainly of sandstone strata forming the north-east side 
and a limestone strata on the south-west side, inter-stratified with sand- 
stone. The hill in which the old quarry and the lime-kilns are situated, 
seems to be, partially, at least, a pile of debns, agglomerated by a calcai'eous 
deposit of speml. 

The variegated marble in the quarry, occurs in disconnected masses in the 
debris, which, although facilitating, on account of its looseness, the quarry- 
ing work, predominates to an extent, and is in itself so worthless as to 
outweigh the advantage mentioned. 

These detached blocks of variegated marble would probably lead ulti- 

*The sketch referred to above, is, unfortunately, not procurable. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 95 

mately to a continuous main deposit. This, I think, would be found some- 
what higher on the slope, or farther east, and prove to be a contiuuation of 
the marble vein, which is found abruptly cut off or dislocated, near the 
boulders and cliffs forming the brow of the hill adjoining on the north. 

Following our course, we find on the west slope of the hill, the dense, red- 
rish-yellow limestone No. 2. This will burn pretty white, and make a good 
mortar lime. 

On the point of the north-west slope of the hill, we find the dense, cream- 
colored limestone No. 3, distinguishable from a distance by its marked light 
color. This is certainly the best limestone found by me on the whole 
gi'ound. It burns very white, slacks very readily, and makes a rich lime. 

The value of the limestones, Nos. 2 and 3, is enhanced by the fact that, 
in them is situated the well defined ledge or vein of variegated marble 
No. 4. This, together with the situation on the slope of the hill, would 
make it possible to combine the quarrying of the two, and, thei-efore, render 
the operation, more profitable than if they were apart. 

The vein of variegated marble above spoken of, runs in a line from there 
to the top of the hill in a south-easterly direction, dipping No. 3, and is two- 
fourths feet thick. It is distinctly defined for a distance of several hundred 
feet, and, I have no doubt, reaches to a considerable depth. The marble, 
when polished, is of great beauty, and would be made of considerable 
value in countries where labor is cheap. It is only fit, however, for inside 
ornamental purposes, such as mantles for fire-places, etc.; is a fissured struct- 
ure, favoring destruction by atmospheric action. At the marble works of 
Mr. Heverin, on Jackson street, between Montgomery and Lawi-ence, in this 
city (San Francisco), specimens of finished work from this marble can be 
seen in form of a fire front, and a block for the Vienna Exjjosition, both of 
which show the peculiarities and great beauty of this marble to the best 
advantage. 

At the top of the hill this marble vein strikes the sandstone strata, which 
then forms the wall-rock of another smaller vein of the same marble, strik- 
ing in from the north-east. This vein cuts off or dislocates, the main vein ; 
at any rate, they are both lost in the boulders and precipitous cliffs forming 
the south side of the brow of the hill. It is probable, however, their con- 
tinuation will be found on the south-west slope, and that the quarry marble 
is from this continuation. The dislocation is also apparent in the sandstone 
and limestone strata. 

Crossing the sandstone in an easterly direction, we find on the east slope 
of Quarry Hill a number of soda springs. One of these — the highest up 
on the hill — shows an oily scum floating on top of the water. This is the 
only acknowledged indication of the presence of coal that I have found on 
the premises. That this indication is too indefinite to be of any value, 
needs, I think, no explanation to any one at all acquainted with the origin, 



96 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

course and nature of springs, especially as the oily matter may have its 
origin in other organic matter than coal. (No. 5, sandstone.) 

Descending around the south side of Marble Quarry Hill, we find exten- 
sive calcareous deposits. No. 6, of ancient, now dried-up, soda springs, like 
those now in action on the east side. With the line, a suificient quantity of 
silica and other matter has been deposited to render this deposit strictly 
unfit for lime burning. It does not lose its grey color in the fire, and slacks 
after burning slowly to a gritty powder. It might do servdce for some archi- 
tectural purposes, or, as an accessory in the manufacture of artificial Port- 
land Cement, where a better material is wanting. 

In the limestone district occur also a variety of argillaceous limestones or 
marls, some of which might serve to make hydraulic limestone or cement. 
I observed no deposit of the kind, however, which was uniform and exten- 
sive enough to seem of value. In specimen No. 1, nearly all the j^iincipal 
rocks on the hill are found represented as a breccia. 

The second day's examination was begun at about C, on chart, and ex- 
tended along the creek to its various soui-ces, and the soda springs, as sho\\ai 
by the dotted coui'se. 

I followed up the creek bed, as the storehouse of specimens of most of 
the rock formations are along its course. 

Up to the point where we lunched, at the base of the limestone knoll, 
near Congress Springs, my examination developed nothing of interest. I 
crossed alternating strata of sandstone and clay slate, with transitions of 
both, common to these, containing, also, some subordinate deposits of lime- 
stone. Some specimens of these are presented by Nos. 7, 8 and 9. A cal- 
careous agglomeration of river-bed material found here and there, indicating 
that the waters at one time had traversed a limestone region. This was 
found ultimately at the place above mentioned as a deposit of great extent. 
The most striking feature of this limestone, at first sight, of flint-like 
density, seemingly, but in fracture, coarsely crystalline, full of fissures, and 
of peculiar, partly pearly lustre. This occurs in limestone more dense and 
opaque, with gradations into marl and calcareous sandstone at the bound- 
aries with other rocks. 

The translucent limestone, or " White Marble," as it has been termed, 
seems, at first sight, to be pure calcite, or carbonate of lime, of great purity ; 
and I was in hopes that it could be pronounced excellent for burning lime. 
My examination and practical tests have shown it, however, to be a mater- 
ial for which I at present know no use, except for road building, and in its 
decomposed state. No. 11, as found on the hill-sides to the south, perhaps 
for agricultural purposes, as an admixture for sandy, clay, and peat soils, 
containing these substances in excess. 

The mineral. No. 10, or limestone, as it may be termed, is one-half — one 
degree harder than pure calcite ; it precipitates violently and falls to a fine. 




J^/ 



/l^^V /l}J'l^-(^-f^>c^^^ 



THE HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY. 97 

fibrous powder, assuming, at the same time, a permanent brownish-gray 
color. This powder, when treated with water, shows no sign of slacking. 
These reactions would indicate the mineral to be dolomite ; but this is belied 
by its form, its inferior hardness, and the readiness with which it emits its 
carbonic acid and dissolves in coal muriatic acid. It may be classed, there- 
fore, a dolomitic, calcite or magnesian limestone. 

It has been satisfactorily proven that certain magnesian limestones make 
excellent hydraulic mortar and cement, particularlj^ adapted for salt water 
work. I, therefore, at once tested the mineral for its qualities in this direc- 
tion, but with unsatisfactory results. It is lacking in the proper proportion 
of magnesia. With the discovery of a magnesia deposit of suitable nature, 
the rock could be made valuable — not otherwise, to my knowledge. 

It is needless for me to express my opinion in regard to the mineral or 
soda springs in this section of your premises ; anyone who has seen them 
and tasted the water must bear witness to their good qualities. 

As regards its practical value, I can form biit an imperfect opinion. It 
seems to me its best day is past, and that now it is merely a question of 
successful competition and, perhaps, attraction of locality. The experience 
of European springs of note, has shown that after their situation, other 
chance circumstances determine their fate, ahead of their intrinsic qualities. 
I cite Carlsbad, Ems, Wiesbaden, Baden-Baden. In dreams of the future 
and its possibilities, I cannot indulge. 

Following our course of examination in a southerly direction, the extent 
of the deposit of dolomitic limestone was evident, from the pieces of it 
strewn over the hills, within the boundaries of the limestone strata, for a 
distance of over a quarter of a mile. Crossing, then, the limestone going 
east, there is found on the southern slope of the hills, a top-ground of 
decomposed limestone containing, however, considerable clay. This, on 
account of its softness, would probably make excellent material for agricul- 
tural purposes, to mix with soils requiring lime — tule lands, for instance. 
No. 11. 

My attention was then drawn by Judge Swan to lumps of the radical 
fibrous mineral. No. 12, which, at first sight, I thought might be fibrous 
gypsum. This, however, was at once disproved by its hardness ; gypsum 
yielding to the nail, this barely to the knife. It is arognite — a peculiar 
quality of carbonate of lime — and of no value except for a mineral collec- 
tion. 

The further examination elicited nothing more of interest. 

The third day's course of examination began at about D, and was made 
with a particular view to the discovery of coal indications. 

Following up the creek bed, from the point where it is claimed specimens 
of coal were found in 1862, 1 crossed the limestone, sandstone, and clay 
shale strata, common to the locality, without discovering in the drift any- 

7 



98 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

thing new except specimens of homblendic rock — a peculiar conglomerate — 
and some new varieties of argillaceous limestone or marl, similar to those 
found on marble-quarry hill ; Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, are specimens from 
both places, having, more or less, the characteristics of what is termed 
cement rock than any other found. My examination of it has shown it to 
be such, of serviceable quality. All of the other rocks, of the same class 
enumerated, could be made serviceable for the manufacture of cement, 
though it would probably need judicious mixture of different varieties to 
attain good results. Nothing but experiments on a large scale could settle 
these points satisfactorily, since it is a well-known fact to cement manu- 
facturers of experience, that a material may contain all the necessary 
constituents of cement in proper quantity, and yet not make good cement. 

My course was thence taken to the east, as far as the road, to visit another 
point, where coal is claimed to have been found in digging a well ; thence 
up the ravine to the north, going west, crossing the sandstone and shale 
strata both ways. The course, from the top of the hill, was taken south- 
ward, down the deep ravine, forming the main branch of the creek in which 
the coal was found. At the head of this ravine are found thick beds of a 
sandy shale, in their distorted lamina?. No. 20, indicating an irruptive action 
in the vicinity. Further do-svn was found the bed of peculiar conglomerate 
before mentioned, No. 21. I speak of this because such conglomerates, of 
the most varied kind, are oftenest met in the coal formations, and are 
valuable as giving a clue to the nature of the rocks of the less immediate 
vicinity. The shells in this specimen are not perfect enough to be deter- 
mined, otherwise they would be a clue. 

Farther down, I found boulders of synite, and the solid rock itself, 
protruding on the east side of the ravine. This explains the distortion of 
the strata in the vicinity — Nos. 22 and 23. 

Part of this synite is exceedingly rich in hornblende ; more so than the 
small piece attached. May not such massive hornblende have been mista- 
ken for coal, since the latter seems to have been found (12) only in the 
vicinity of this hornblendic rock ? I, at least, can find no indication of its 
presence than the vagueness mentioned. 

Cinnabar, or other quicksilver ore, will not be found, I think, on your 
land. 

The examination developed nothing more of interest. 

Resume. — The materials on your premises, which may be considered in 
the question of value, are : The limestones, Nos. 2 and 3 ; the variegated 
marble. No. 4 ; the soda springs, and some of the varieties of cement rock 
mentioned. 

In considering the cost of burning limestone, it may be mentioned that 
Santa Cruz lime, of superior quality, is sold here (San Francisco) at the rate 
of S2 per bairel of 250 pounds, gross — say 230 pounds, net. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 99 

In regard to the cost of production, I have tried to obtain notes on the 
experience in this State, but, as might be expected, did not succeed. I can 
only give the following : 

In the best kilns at present used in Germany, the results are : 

For 3 J tons lime, li cords wood, (kind not given) or 1 ton of good coal. 

Production about 10 tons per day in kilns of the largest build. As much 
as 3| tons of lime is burned in some places with the above proportion of 
fuel. 

Kilns of the foregoing kind, as were generally used, burn only 6-7 tons 
lime per twenty-four hours. 

A somewhat different kind — simpler — kiln used near the Rhine, is only 
about half as large, and turns out per day one and a half and one and three 
quarters tons of lime, with a consumption of say one cord of good, dry pine 
wood. 

The patent furnaces of Hoffman & Licht, such as are used by the Patent 
Brick Company of San Francisco, to burn brick, will turn out 6-8 tons lime 
per day, consuming only 2,900 to 3,900 pounds good coal. 

These furnaces are all expensive to build, especially the first and last 
mentioned . 

A cheap form of kiln is also much used, in which the fuel is mixed with 
the limestone, as in burning cement at Benicia. It will turn out 5-5 i tons 
lime, with a consumption of two tons of coal. 

Taking the last form of kiln as a basis, an approximate calculation of the 
total cost of delivering lime to market, I calculated it to be 50 to 60 dollars 
for five tons, or, say 40 baixels. This makes $1.25 to $1.50 per barrel. 
Santa Cruz lime, as above, selling at $2.00, it would not be safe to count on 
more than $1.75. 

From this I judge that with the use of coal as fuel, and a good kiln, lime 
burning could be carried on with good profit on your premises at the point 
specified. I do not think it would be more than a profitable busines.s. 

In respect to the value of" marble, I can give the following : 

Italian marble, per cubic foot $3 00 to $12 00 

Vermont " " " 5 00 " 5 50 

Variegated foreign marble, per cubic foot ....300" 5 00 
Suisun marble, per cubic foot 1 00 '■ 150 

I have been to a number of marble yards in this city, but could get no 
ofier or estimate out of anyone for the Suisun marble, though they all 
admitted that it was a fine stone, etc. Mr. Heverin seems to be the only 
one that takes any interest in the matter, and he will therefore be best able 
to determine what can be done with the marble. The marble, it seems, is 
more difficult to work than the imported, and the preference of the product 
to others is a matter of taste, and therefore a high price asked. These con- 



100 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

siderations limit the market for it, and make its intrinsic value more ques- 
tionable than in the case of a large deposit of a less rare material. As I 
said before, Mr. Heverin is at present best able to give positive information 
on this. 

Although the material is abundant for the manufacture of Portland 
cement, it would be difficult at present to compete with the factory at Benicia, 
I think, since they have also found an abundance of rock near their factory." 

We will now draw this already lengthy chapter to a close ; it has been 
impossible to follow every outline of the settlement of Solano county up to 
its present state of prominent prosperity, while it has been a hard task to 
verify the dates of the earlier arrivals. All would appear to have gone 
through the earlier toils of pioneer life without any special regard to the 
flight of time, save wherein it was to bring them to their desired goal ; 
hence it has been no easy task to arrive at the information we now lay 
before the reader. In bidding adieu to the subject of settlement, therefore, 
the sad story of the Donner party may not be uninteresting, especially as 
some of the survivors are well known to residents of Solano. 

Tuthill's History of California tells us : " Of the overland emigration to 
Calirornia, in 1846, about eighty wagons took a new route, from fort 
Bridger, around the south end of Great Salt Lake. The pioneers of the 
party arrived in good season over the mountains ; but Mr. Reed's and 
Mr. Donner's companies opened a new route through the desert, lost a 
month's time by their explorations, and reached the foot of the Truckee 
pass, in the Sierra Nevada, on the 31st of October, instead of the 1st, as 
they had intended. The snow began to fall on the mountains two or three 
weeks earlier than usual that year, and was already piled up in the Pass 
that they could not proceed. They attempted it repeatedly, but were as 
often forced to return. One party built their cabins near the Truckee Lake, 
killed their cattle, and went into wduter quarters. The other (Donner's) 
party, still believed that they could thread the pass, and so failed to build 
their cabins before more snow came and buried their cattle alive. Of course 
these were soon utterly destitute of food, for they could not tell where the 
cattle were buried, and there was no hope of game on a desert so piled with 
snow that nothing without wings could move. The number of those who 
were thus storm-stayed, at the very threshold of the land whose winters are 
one long spring, was eighty, of whom thirty were females, and several 
children. The Mr. Donner who had charge of one company, was an Illino- 
isian, sixty years of age, a man of high respectability and abundant means. 
His wife was a woman of education and refinement, and much younger 
than he. 

During November it snowed thirteen days ; during December and Janu- 
ary, eight days in each. Much of the time the tops of the cabins were 
below the snow level. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 101 

It was six weeks after the halt was made that a party of fifteen, includ- 
ing five women and two Indians who acted as guides, set out on snow-shoes 
to cross the mountains, and give notice to the people of the California 
settlements of the condition of their friends. At first the snow was so light % 
and feathery that even in snow-shoes they sank nearly a foot at every step. 
On the second day they crossed the " divide," finding the snow at the sum- 
mit twelve feet deep. Pushing forward with the courage of despair, Ihey 
made from four to eight miles a day. 

Within a week they got entirely out of provisions ; and three of them, 
succumbing to cold, weariness, and starvation, had died. Then a heavy 
snow-storm came on, which compelled them to lie still, buried between their 
blankets under the snow, for thirty-six hours. By the evening of the tenth 
day three more had died, and the living had been four days without food. 
The horrid alternative was accepted — they took the flesh from the bones of 
their dead, remained in camp two days to dry it, and then pushed on. 

On New Years, the sixteenth day since leaving Truckee Lake, they were 
toiling up a steep mountain. Their feet were frozen. Every step was marked 
with blood. On the second of January, their food again gave out. On the 
third, they had nothing to eat but the strings of their snow-shoes. On the 
fourth, the Indians eloped, justly suspicious that they might be sacrificed for 
food. On the fiftli, they shot a deer, and that day one of their number died. 
Soon after three others died, and every death now eked out the existence 
of the survivors. On the seventeenth, all gave out, and concluded their 
wanderings useless, except one. He, guided by two stray friendly Indians, 
dragged himself on till he reached a settlement on Bear river. By midnight 
the settlers had found and were treating with all Christian kindness what 
remained of the little company that, after more than a month of the most 
terrible sutferings, had that morning halted to die. 

The story that there were emigrants perishing on the other side of the 
snowy barrier ran swiftly down the Sacramento Valley to New Helvetia, 
and Captain Sutter, at his own expense, fitted out an expedition of men and 
of mules laden with provisions, to cross the mountains and relieve them. It 
ran on to San Francisco, and the people, rallying in public meeting, raised 
fifteen hundred dollars, and with it fitted out another expedition. The 
naval commandant of the port fitted out still others. 

The first of the relief parties reached Truckee Lake on the nineteenth of 
February. Ten of the people in the nearest camp were dead. For four 
weeks those who were still alive had fed only on bullocks' hides. At 
Donner's camp they had but one hide remaining. The visitors left a small 
supply of provisions with the twenty-nine whom they could not take with 
them, and started back with the remainder. Four of the children they 
carried on their backs. 

Another of the relief parties reached Truckee Lake on the first of March. 



102 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

They immidiately started back with seventeen of the sufferers ; but, a heavy 
snow storm overtaking them, they left all, except thi-ee of the ehildi-en, on 
the road. Another party went after those who were left on the way; 
found three of them dead, and the rest sustaining life by feeding on the 
flesh of the dead. 

The last relief party reached Donner's camp late in April, when the snows 
had melted so much that the earth appeared in spots. The main cabin was 
empty, but some miles distant they found the last survivor of all lying on 
the cabin floor smoking his pipe. He was f rocious in aspect, savage and 
repulsive in manner. His camp-kettle was over the fire and in it his meal 
of human flesh preparing. The stripped bones of his fellow-sufferers lay 
around him. He refused to return with the party, and only consented 
when he saw there was no escape. 

Mrs. Donner was the last to die. Her husband's body, carefully laid out 
and wrapped in a .sheet, was found at his tent. Circumstances led to the 
suspicion that the survivor had killed Mrs. Donner for her flesh and her 
money, and when he was threatened with hanging, and the rope tightened 
around his neck, he produced over five hundred dollars in gold, which, 
probably, he had appropriated from her store." 

In relation to this dreary story of suffering, this portion of our histoiy 
will be concluded by the narration of the prophetic dream of George Yount, 
attended, as it was, with such marvelous results. 

At this time, (the winter of 1846) while residing in Napa county, of 
which, as has been abeady remarked, he was the pioneer settler, he dreamt 
that a party of emigi-ants were snow-bound in the Sierra Nevadas, high up 
in the mountains, where they were suffiering the most distressing privations 
from cold and want of food. The locality where his dream had placed 
these unhappy mortals, he had never visited, yet so clear was his vision 
that he described the sheet of water surrounded by lofty peaks, deep-covered 
with snow, while on every hand towering pine trees reared their heads far 
above the limitless waste. In his sleep he saw the hungry human beings 
ravenously tear the flesh from the bones of their fellow creatures, slain to 
satisfy their craving appetites, in the midst of a gloomy desolation. He 
dreamed his dream on three successive nights, after which he related it to 
others, among whom were a few who had been on hunting expeditions in 
the Sierras. These wished for a precise description of the scene foreshad- 
owed to him. They recognized the Truckee, now the Donner Lake. On 
the strength of this recognition Mr. Yount fitted out a search expedition, 
and, with these men as guides, went to the place indicated, and, prodigious 
to relate, was one of the successful relieving parties to reach the ill-fated 
Donner party. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 103 

THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



EARLY POLITICAL HISTORY — FIRST CIVIL OFFICER COJDIISSIONED — GOVERNOR 
BOGGS AND STEPHEN COOPER APPOINTED ALCALDES — PEOPLE OBJECT TO A 
MILITARY GOVERNMENT — PROCLAMATION OF BRIG.-GENERAL RILEY — THE 
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION — SUPERIOR TRIBUNAL OF CALIFORNIA IN 
1849 — APPOINTMEET OF JUDGE OF FIRST INSTANCE — FIRST ELECTION 
TICKETS — FIRST ELECTION IN SOLANO COUNTY — ELECTION MATTERS FROM 
I80O TO 1877 — TABLE OF OFFICERS FROM 1850 TO 1877. 



The early political history of Solano county is enveloped in considerable 
mystery. Prior to the acquisition of California by the Government of the 
LTnited States, the large District of Sonoma, which included all the territory 
between the Sacramento river and the ocean, and Oregon and the Bay of 
San Francisco, was under the rule of the Mexican Government, who pro- 
mulgated theii- laws after the year 1835, when General Vallejo took 
command, from Sonoma. The District was apportioned into Prefectures, 
amenable to a gi-and council at that town, the holders of office being known 
as Alcaldes. 

The first ci\al officer commissioned, after the American occupation, was 
John Nash. He had a very exalted idea of the dignity of his office ; 
assumed ministerial as well as judicial powers ; signed himself " Chief 
Justice of California," and otherndse made^iimself and his office ridiculous. 
Squire Nash, as his neighbors called him, was a good-natured, illiterate, but 
honest man, who was emploj'ed by several persons to proceed to the mines 
on the discovery of gold in 1848. He returned with gold dust to the value 
of eight hundred dollars, and shortly after, going to Mormon Island with a 
company of Sonoma miners, he died there during the winter. He was 
succeeded in office by Lilbum W. Boggs, Ex-Governor of Missouri, in the 
office of Alcalde ; a like appointment being made for Benicia City, as will 
be seen by the accompanjdng commission : 

" Kjiovv all men by these presents, that I, Richard B. Mason, Colonel 1st 
Regiment of Dragoons, United States Army, and Governor of California, by 
virtue of authority in me vested, do hereby appoint Stephen Cooper an 
Alcalde at Benicia City, at present in the District of Sonoma. 

" Given at Monterey, the Capital of California, this third day of January, 
A. D. 1848, and of the Independence of the United States the 72d. 

(Signed) " R. B. Ma.son, 

[official SEAL.] " Col. 1st Dragoous, 

"Governor of California." 

Let us see what was the state of the political horizon at that time. 
According to Tuthill — as to civil law, the country was utterly at .sea. It 
had a governor in the person of the commandant of the military district it 
belonged to, but no government. While the war lasted California, as a 



104 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT. 

conquered province, expected to be governed by military officers who, by 
virtue of their command of the Department, bore sway over all the territory 
that their Department embraced. But after peace had come and the suc- 
cession of military governors was not abated, a people who had been in the 
habit of governing themselves, under the same flag and the same constitu- 
tion, chafed that a simple change of longitude should deprive them of their 
inalienable rights. 

General Persifer F. Smith, who assumed command on arriving by the 
California, the first steamship that reached San Francisco (February 28, 
1849), and General Rilej', who succeeded him (April 13, 1849), would have 
been acceptable governors enough, if the people could have discovered any- 
where in the Constitution that the President had power to govern a ter.itory 
by a simple order to the commandant of a militaiy department. The power 
was obvious in time of war ; but in peace it was unprecedented. Left en- 
tirely to themselves, the people could have organized a squatter sovereignty, 
as Oregon had done, and the way into the sister-hood of States was clear. 

They felt that they had cause for complaint, but in truth they were too 
busy to nurse their grievance and make much of it. To some extent they 
formed local governments, and had unimportant collisions with the mili- 
tary. But, busy as the}' were, and expecting to return home soon, they 
humored their contempt for politics, and left public matters to be shaped at 
Washington. Nor was this so un-\vise a course under the circumstances, for 
the thing that had hindered Congress from gi\dng them a legitimate con- 
stitutioual government was the ever-present snag in the current of American 
political history, the author of most of our woes, the great mother of mis- 
chief on the Western continent — Slavery. 

Wlien it was found that Congress had adjourned without doing anj-thing 
for California, Brigadier-General Riley, by the ad\-ice, he said, of the Presi- 
dent, and Secretaries of State and of War, issued a Proclamation, which 
was at once a call for a convention, and an official exposition of the Admin- 
istration's theory of the anomalous relations of California, and the Union. 
He strove to rectify the impression that California was governed by the 
military arm of the service ; that had ceased with the termination of hostili- 
ties. What remained wa.s the civil government, recognized by the existing 
laws of California. These were vested in a governor, who received his ap- 
pointment from the supreme government or, in default of such appoint- 
ment, the office wa.s vested in the commanding militarj- officer of the de- 
partment, a secretaiy, a departmental or territorial legislature, a superior 
court with four judges, a prefect and sub-prefect, and a j udge of the first 
instance for each district, alcaldes, local justices of the peace, ayuntanien- 
tos, or town councils. Ho moreover recommended the election, at the same 
time, of delegates to a convention to adopt either a State or Territorial Con- 
stitution which, if acquiesced in by the people, would be submitted for ap- 
proval to Congress. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 105 

In accordance with these announcements we find that the " Superior 
Tribunal of California " existed at Monterey in 1849, for in September of 
that year a " Tariif of Fees for Judiciary offices " was published, with the 
following order of the Court : " That the sevei'al officers mentioned in this 
order shall be entitled to receive for their services, in addition to their 
regular salary, if any, the following fees, and none other, until the further 
order of this Court." Here is added a list of the fees to be appropriated by 
Judges of First Instance, Alcaldes and Justices of the Peace, Clerks of the 
several courts. Sheriff, or Comisario, District Attorney, and Notaries Public. 

Stephen Cooper, already alcalde of the city of Benicia, was appointed by 
General Riley, in August, Judge of First Instance, and commenced his 
labors in that function in October, 1849, as appears in the only record of the 
proceedings of that Court extant in the office of the county clerk, at Fair- 
field. 

The record of one of the cases tried is reproduced as an instance of the 
short but quick justice that was doled out in 1849 : 

" The People of California Territory, 

vs. 

George Palmer.. 

" And now comes the said people by right their attorney, and the said de- 
fendant by Semple and O'Melveny, and the prisoner having been arraigned 
on the indictment in this cause, plead not guilty. Thereupon a jury was 
chosen, selected, and swoi'n, when, after hearing the evidence and argument 
of counsel, returned into Court the following verdict, to wit : 

" The jury, in the case of Palmer, defendant, and the State of California, 
plaintiff, have found a verdict of guilty on both counts of the indictment, 
and sentenced him to receive the following punishment, to wit : 

" On Saturday, the 24th day of November, to be conducted by the sheriff 
to some public place and there receive on his bare back seventy-five lashes, 
with such weapon as the sheriff may deem fit, on each count respectively, 
and to be banished from the district of Sonoma within twelve hours after 
whipping, under penalty of receiving the same number of lashes for each 
and every day he remains in the district, after the first whipjjing. 

" (Signed) Alexander Riddell, 

" Foreman. 

" It is therefore ordered by the Court, in accordance with the above ver- 
dict, that the foregoing sentence be carried into effect." 

The manifesto calling a Constitutional Convention divided the electoral 
divisions of the State into ten districts ; each male inhabitant of the 
country, of twenty-one years of age, could vote in the district of his resid- 
ence, and the delegates so elected were called upon to meet at Monterey, on 
the 1st day of September, 1849. The number of delegates was fixed at 
thirty-seven, five of which were apportioned to San Francisco. Those 
elected from the district of Sonoma, were General Vallejo, Joel Walker, R. 



106 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



Semple. L. W. Boggs was also elected, but did not attend. As resolved, 
the Convention met at Monterey on the date above named, Robert Semple, 
of Benicia, one of the delegates from the district of Sonoma, being chosen 
president. The session lasted six weeks ; and not^\^thstanding an awkward 
scarcity of books of reference and other necessary aids, much labor was per- 
formed, while the debates exhibited a marked degree of ability. In framing 
the original Constitution of California, slavery was forever prohibited 
within the jurisdiction of the State ; the boundaiy question between 
Mexico and the United States was set at rest ; provision for the morals and 
education of the people was made ; a seal of State was adopted with the 
false Greek, though now more famous motto of Eureka, and a quantity of 
other matters discussed. It was submitted to the people in English and 
Spanish ; and on November 13th, was ratihed by them. 

The Constitution was adopted by a vote of twelve thousand and sixty- 
four for it, to eight hundred and eleven against it ; there being, besides, over 
twelve hundred ballots that were treated as blanks, because of an inform- 
ality in the printing. 

The following are two of the tickets which were voted at the time and 
were destributed in and around Sacramento and the upper portion of the 
State. 

people's TICKET. PEOPLE'S TICKET. 



FOR THE CONSTITUTION. 



FOR GOVERNOR, 

John A. Sutter. 

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, 

John McDougal. 

FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 

William E. Shannon, 
Pet. HaLsted. 

FOR STATE SENATORS, 

John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento, 
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City, 
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City, 
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon. 

FOR ASSEMBLY, 

H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City, 
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City, 
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City, 
J. Sherwood, 
Elisha W. McKinstry, 
Madison Walthall, Coloma, 
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba, 
James Queen, South Fork, 
W. L. Jenkin, Weaverville. 



FOR THE CONSTITUTION. 



FOR GOVERNOR, 

Peter H. Burnett. 

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, 

John McDougal. 

FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, 

Edward Gilbert, 
George W. Wright. 

FOR STATE SENATORS, 

John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento, 
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City, 
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City, 
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon. 

FOR ASSEMBLY, 

H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City, 
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City, 
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City, 
H. L. Ford, Upper Sacramento, 
Madison Walthall, Coloma, 
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba, 
James Queen, South Foi-k, 
Arba K. Berry, Weaver^-ille. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 107 

The result of the election was : Peter H. Burnett, Governor ; John Mc- 
Dougal, Lieutenant Governor ; and Messrs. Wright and Gilbert were sent to 
Congress. In regard to our especial subject General Vallejo was then elected 
to the Senate, his seat, however, was first given to Jonas Spect, but on the 
22d of December the official return from one of the polls gave Spect but 
two votes instead of twenty-eight, a total of but one hundred and eighty- 
one votes against General Vallejo's one hundred and ninety-nine. Mr. Spect 
then gave up his seat to the General, who during that session of the Legis- 
lature, made his memorable report on the derivation and defination of the 
names of the several counties of the State ; a report unsurpassed in its style 
and its store of interesting and valuable information. 

On Saturday, December 1.5, 1849, the first Legislature of the State met — 
it will, however, be unnecessary here to enter into its movements until finally 
located at Sacramento, such will be found fully discussed in the history of 
the city of Vallejo. 

The earliest record of an election in Solano is one held on April 1. 
1850, to chose the following State and county officers, viz.: Clerk of the 
Supreme Court, District Attorney, County Judge, Clerk, Attorney, Surveyor, 
Sheriff, Recorder, Assessor, Coronor, and Treasurer. L. B. Mizner being 
appointed Inspector ; William McDaniel and Sarshel Cooper, Judges ; with 
Joseph Winston and W. Rowe, Clerks. The officers being duly sworn by 
Stephen Cooper, Judge of the District of Sonoma, the polls were opened, 
and one hundred and seventy-six duly qualified electors deposited their 
ballots. 

The result of the election was : 

Votes. 

For Clerk of Supreme Court E. H. Tharp 142 

For District Attorney R. A. Maupin 107 ' 

For County Judge James Craig 88 

For County Clerk Sarshel Bynum 107 

For County Attorney D. R. Wright 94 

For County Surveyor Benjamin W. Barlow. . 137 

For County Sheriff Frank Brown 86 

For County Recorder Sarshel Bynum 143 

For County Assessor Stephen Cooper 174 

For County Coroner W. F. Peabody 178 

For County Treasurer David F. Beveridge 100 

The foregoing poll included the votes of officers and soldiers of the United 
States Army, and the officers and sailors of the Navy, to the number of 
forty-three, as is shown by the statement submitted by the President and 
Canvasser, on April 8th. The election was held pursuant to an Act of the 
Assembly of the State, approved March 2d, 1850. 



108 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

It was found, however, that James Craig, the nominee for the County 
Judgeship, had failed to qualify according to law ; the office was therefore 
declared vacant, and a new election called in accordance with the above 
quoted Act, by F. M. Warmcastle, Judge of Contra Costa County, to be held 
on May 11, 1850, at two precincts in Solano County, which he had named, 
viz., the Court House at Benicia, and the i-esidence of Daniel M. Berry, 
in Suisun Valley, the Inspectors being respectively George H. Riddell, 
of Benicia, and D. M. Berry. The result was the election of Joseph 
Winston, with sixty-six votes, as against forty-seven for William McDaniel. 
Thus, Judge Winston was the first Judge for Solano County who actually 
took his seat; and on the assumption of his office, almost his fu-st duty was the 
organizing of the county into the two townships of Benicia and Suisun, and 
fixing certain boundaries, consequent on the necessity to elect two Justices 
of the Peace and one Constable for the newly partitioned districts. This 
election was called for May 25th, and on June 1st the elected Justices were 
directed to meet at the ^ity Hall, in Benicia, for the pui'pose of electing two 
of their number as Associate Justices, to sit with the County Judge, to form 
the Court of Sessions of said County of Solano. There is, unfortunately, no 
record of the names of the Justices then elected. In the meantime, the 
office of County Attorney was declared vacant, and C. Gillis, being the 
only candidate, was duly elected July 22, 1850. On October 7, 1850, 
another election was held for the appointment of a Clerk to the Supreme 
Court ; Superintendent of Public Instruction ; Attorney General ; District 
Attorney, for the district composed of the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa, 
Solano and Mendocino ; Senator for the district composed of the counties of 
Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, Yolo, Colusa, and Trinity ; and a 
Member of the Assembly, for the District composed of the counties of 
Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano, while the votes of the people were called 
to settle the location of the seat of government, with the following result : 

Votes. 

For Clerk of the Supreme Court E. H. Tharp 96 

For Superintendent of Public Instruction . . Fred. P. Tracy 56 

For Attorney General James A. McDougal ... 98 

For District Attorney J. D. Bristol 132 

For Senator Martin E. Cook 101 

For Member of Assembly John S. Bradford 113 

While, for the location of the seat of government, Vallejo received one 
hundred and eighty-six votes, as against one for each of the cities of San 
Jose and Monterey. Shortly after this, the offices of Sheriff and County Sur- 
veyor, held by Messrs. Francis Brown and Benjamin W. Barlow, had become 
vacant ; another election was held on December 21st, when B. C. Whitman 
was chosen for the first named office, and A. F. Bradley for the latter. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 109 

Thus the electoral interests for the year 1850 were brought to a close. 
In this year party spirit had not yet run very high. The bulk of the early 
settlers were pretty evenly divided between the Whigs and Democrats, 
while of the officers elected, the opposing factions shared the honors more 
or less equally. 

On January 25, 1851, Calvin Brown and J. G. Dennis were respectively 
elected to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable for Benicia 
Township, while, in March, two more vacancies occurred in the offices of 
Sheriff and County Attorney, consequent on the resignation of Messrs. B. C. 
Whitman and C. Gillis. To fill these offices a special election was called, as 
also to choose two Justices of the Peace and one Constable for each of the 
townships of Vallejo, which would appear from the Petition of Electors to 
have then been named Eden and Suisun. At this epoch of the county's 
history, the list of votes was: For Benicia Township, 174; for Vallejo, 
29 ; and for Suisun, 72. The result of this election, which was held on 
March 24th, was : 

For County Sheriff Paul Shirley SS' 

For County Attorney Thomas M. Swan . . 128 

For Justice of the Peace, Vallejo Township . [■ j w f t 9fi 

For Justice of the Peace, Suisun Township . -! tt -d t-v ' ijo 

^ ( U. P. Degman 63 

For Constable for Vallejo Township. . ..William E. Brown, D. C. . 28 
For Constable for Suisun Town.ship. . ..William Munn 69 

On the 9th September, 1850, California was admitted into the Union, 
and the pleasing, though foreordained intelligence, was hailed with much 
enthusiasm when brought to San Francisco, on the 18th October, 1850. On 
September 3, 1851, the first gubernatorial election was held under the new 
order of things. The event being so important a one, we reproduce the 
entire vote throughout Solano County, as gleaned from the official records 
of the county. 



110 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



for governor. 
Reading, Pierson B. 

No. of Vot««. 

Benicia 182 

Vallejo 93 

Suisun G7 

Vacaville 51 

BiGLER, John. 

Benicia 98 

Vallejo 77 

Suisun 41 

Vaca\-ille 17 



LIEUT. GOVERNOR. 

Baldwin, Drury P. 

Benicia 166 

Vallejo 91 

Suisun 67 

Vacaville 49 

PuRDY, Samuel. 

Benicia 112 

Vallejo 78 

Suisun 41 

Vacaville 17 



justice supreme court. 

Heydenfeldt, Solomon. 

Benicia 110 

Vallejo 77 

Suisun 43 

Vacaville 17 

Robinson, Todd. 

Benicia 1.59 

Vallejo 92 , 

Suisun 65 

Vacaville 50 



393 



233 



373 



248 



247 



attorney-general. 
Hastings, S. C. 

No. of Votes. 

Benicia 114 

Vallejo 78 

Suisun 44 

Vacaville 16 

Fair, W. D. 

Benicia 162 

Vallejo 90 

Suisun 64 

Vacaville 50 



state comptroller. 

Pierce, Winslow T. 

Benicia Ill 

Vallejo 78 

Suisim 42 

Vaca\'ille 17 

Abell, a. G. 

Benicia 166 

Vallejo 90 

Suisun 64 

Vacaville 49 

Houston, John S. 

Benicia 1 



366 



surveyor-general. 

Eddy, Wm. M. 

Benicia 119 

Vallejo 77 

Suisun 41 

Vacaville 17 

Herron, Walter. 

Benicia 159 

Vallejo 89 

Suisun 66 

Vacaville 49 



252 



366 



248 



369 



254 



363 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



Ill 



state treasurer. 
Roman, Richard. 

No. of Votes. 

Benicia 118 

Vallejo 130 

Suisun 43 

Vacaville 27 

Burt, J. M. 

Benicia 159 

Vallejo 38 

Suisun 65 

Vacaville 39 

Gift, Col. W. 

Benicia 2 



CONGRESSilAN. 
McCoRKLE, Jos. W. 

Benicia 107 

Vallejo 82 

Sui.sun 42 

Vacaville 19 

Marshall, E. C. 

Benicia 118 

Vallejo 86 

Suisun 43 

Vacaville 27 

Kewen, E. J. C. - 

Benicia 170 

Vallejo 87 

Suisun Go 

Vacaville 49 

MooRE, B. F. 

Benicia 157 

Vallejo 88 

Suisun 64 

Vacaville 38 

Bryan, D. C. 

Benicia 34 

Vallejo 4 

Suisun 18 

Va aville 7 



318 



301 



250 



274 



371 



347 



63 



Borland, James. 

No. of Votes. 

Benicia 48 

Vallejo 8 

Suisun 47 

Vacaville 



103 



state senator to represent the 

counties of SOLANO AND NAPA. 



Bradford, John S. 

Benicia 157 

Vallejo 9 

Suisun 50 

Vacaville 5 

Estell, Ja3IES M. 

Benicia 129 

Vallejo 147 

Suisun 52 

Vacaville 46 

Long, James H. 

Vacaville 2 

.Sawyer, Jesse. 

Benicia 1 

Vacaville 1 

Semple, Robert. 

Vacaville 1 



221 



374 



members of assembly to represent 
solano county. 



Graham, James S. 

Benicia 122 

Vallejo 117 

Suisun 28 

Vacaville 45 

Semple, Robert. 

Benicia 85 

Vallejo 28 

Suisun 17 

Vacaville 15 



312 



145 



112 



HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



county sheriff. 
Shirley, Paul. 

No. of Votes. 

Benicia 195 

Vallejo 122 

Suisun 84 

Yacaville 62 

Stocker, James. 

Benicia 91 

Vallejo 38 

Suisun 26 

Vaca\"ille 6 



county clerk. 

Bynum, Sarshel. 

Benicia 259 

Vallejo 148 

Suisun 107 

Vaca\dlle 65 

Jones, J. W. 

Benicia 1 



district attorney. 

Swan, Thos. M. 

Benicia 145 

Vallejo 102 

Suisun 65 

Vacaville 43 

Blair, J. D. 

Benicia 134 

Vallejo 48 

Suisun 35 

Vacaville 14 



county coroner. 

Peabody, Wji. F. 

Benicia 169 

Vallejo 18 

Suisun 57 

Vaca\411e 45 



463 



161 



355 



231 



289 



Hamji, Samuel F. 

No. of Votes. 

Benicia 109 

Vallejo 122 

Suisun 41 

Vacaville 14 



COUNTY treasurer. 

Evans. 0. H. 

Benicia 194 

Vallejo 77 

Suisun 73 

Vacaville 43 

Hayden, C. W. 

Benicia 73 

Vallejo 52 

Suisun 21 

Vacaville 14 

Leviston, Geo. 

Benicia 1 



COUNTY surveyor. 

LoRixG, F. R. 

Benicia 153 

Vallejo 76 

Suisun 67 

Vacaville 43 

Bradley, A. F. 

Benicia 124 

Vallejo 56 

Suisun 34 

Vacaville 14 



COUNTY assessor. 

Vaughan, Singleton. 

Benicia 192 

Vallejo 78 

Suisun 47 

Vacaville 33 



286 



387 



160 



339 



228 



350 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



113 



COUNTY ASSESSOR. 

Howell, E. P. 

No. of VotCB. Total V 

Benicia •. 69 

Vallejo 53 . . 

Suisun 54 

Vacaville 25 . . 

Cooper Stephen. 

Benicia 16 

Suisun 7 



201 



23 



PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SOL. CO. 



CuRREY, John 

Benicia 136 

Vallejo 76 

Suisun 71 

Vacaville 43 

Leviston, Geo. 

Benicia 135 

Vallejo 51 

Suisun 24 

Vacaville 14 

Luce, S. W. 

Benicia 1 



.326 



224 



justices of the peace for benicia. 



Riddell, Alexander 
Wetmore, C. E. . 
Gillis, Calvin . . . 
Hyam, B. D . . . . 
McDougal, John 
Lowiy, ' Dick . . . 
Bennett, Bill . . . 



constables for benicia. 



Brown, A. W . . 
Brown, Jno. S. 
Siddons, Wm. . 
Mitchell, I . . . . 
Jones, John W 
Brown, VV. C . . 
Andrews, J. H . 



1.30 

95 

199 

62 

1 

1 

1 



188 
169 
126 
1 
1 
1 
1 



DISTRICT JUDGE 7tH JUDICIAL DIST. 

Total Votes. 

Hopkins, Robert 1 

Bosgs, T. J 1 

Wiii'tman, B. C 1 

Lee, Harvey 1 

JU.STICES OF THE PEACE FOR VALLEJO. 

Hook, Henry 101 

Tierney, E. P 36 

Leslie, Lyman 77 

Shipley, David 31 

Veeder, Charles 13 

Loveland, J. E 3 

CONSTABLES FOR V.ALLEJO. 

Brown, W. A 116 

Bryant, W. T 87 

Dupaix, Henry 13 



justices of peace, suisun. 

Berry, D. K. 

Suisun 07 

Vacaville 9 

Degman, U. p. 

Suisun 50 

Vacaville 49 

Beveridge, David F. 

Suisun 54 



76 



99 



54 



CONSTABLES FOR SUISUN. 



Stevenson, G. B. - 






Suisun . . .• 


. . 62 




Vacaville 


. . 50 


112 


MuNN, Wm. 




Suisun 




.. 49 


LiNDSEY, Wm. 






Suisun 




.. 23 


Scattering 




.. 6 



114 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

On September 11th, notice was given in accordance yviih the Fourth 
Article of the Constitution of California, by Robert Semple, of his intention 
to contest the election of James S. Graham to the seat in the Assembly ; 
there is no reason to believe, however, that the case ever came to a recount. 

The division of votes showed a democratic preponderance for the State 
offices ; while for tho.se of the county, the Whig part}- had the majority of 
positions. 

In this contest, Bigler, who received twenty-three thousand seven hun- 
dred and seventy-foui- votes in the State ; while Pierson B. Reading, his 
Wliig opponent, got twenty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-tliree, 
had the assistance of that new power which had commenced to creep into 
the State, in the shape of the squatting element. He was Democratic in 
his manners, being " hale fellow " with all. Not so his opponent, who was 
a gentleman of more genteel bearing than the kind-heai'ted, unambitious, 
landless Governor, who was always mindful of his friends. Bigler, in all 
his messages, urged economj-, but found it difficult to prevent an office being 
made for a friend. Tuthill remarks: "It was his pet project to unite the 
Southern and Western men of his party, and let the free-soilers shift for 
themselves ; but it is not in that direction that party cleavage runs. The 
Southeners scorned the alliance. They were ' high-toned,' and looked downi 
upon a Missourian a.s little better than a man from Massachusetts. The 
Governor's project would not work. He carried water on both shoulders, 
and spilt very little on either side." 

In regard to the election of officers to till the positions requiied in those 
years, it was very hard to find those willing to, or capable of, undertaking 
the arduous duties : besides, everyone was on the qui vive for news of gold 
on the fii-st receipt of which, judges and constables alike, would leave their 
more dignified duties, and make for the mines, caring not who their succes- 
sors might be, or how they were appointed. 

But few changes of any political moment occurred in 18o:i, .save the 
establishment of a polling precinct at the Suscol rancho, at the residence of 
L. Curtis ; and the Presidential election of November 2nd, when we find 
the three well-kno^ii names among the successful candidates for count}' 
honore, of Judge E. W. McKicstry, now of the Supreme Bench of Califor- 
nia, then elected for his first term as Judge of the Seventh Judicial District ; 
Andrew J. Bryant, the present Mayor of San Francisco, then a Constable 
of Benicia township ; and Dr. Sylvester Woodbridge, Junior, the elocivient 
pastor of a Presbytirian Chuich, in San Fiancisco, at the time of which 
we write, a resident of Benicia, and the fii^st Commissioner of Common 
Schools in the county. 

On February lyth, of the following year, Sarshel BjTium, resigned his 
office, when Joseph P. Vaughn was appointed interim County Clerk, in 
which charge he was confirmed, at the general election of 7th September. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 115 

On May 18th, an Act, ai^portioning the State into certain Senatorial and 
Assembly districts, was passed ; the " Tenth Senatorial District," being com- 
prised in the counties of Solano, Napa, and Yolo, with power to elect one 
Senator, while one member of Assembly was to be returned from each. 

It would appear that at this juncture the number of residents in the 
county had so increased, that greater facilities had to be given to the public 
for recording their votes. The distances from the principal locations of the 
townships being so great, new precincts were made ; the city of Benicia 
being divided into two wards ; the headquarters of one being at the Pacific 
Works, and the other at the Court House. The Vallejo township comprised 
Vallejo and Suscol. Wolf.skill's and Montezuma belonged to Vacaville ; 
while Suisun and Green Valley each had their polling places. At their De- 
cember term, the Couit of Sessions ordered that the salaiy of the District 
Attorney should be fixed at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month, 
or fifteen hundred dollars per anmion, commencing from the first Monday 
in October. 

In the year 1855, a vacancy occurring in the office of County Treasurer, 
by the death of John C. Gulick, Jabez Hatch was appointed in his stead. 
In this year, too, the Court of Sessions was abolished, and a Board of Su- 
pervisors created in lieu thereof. The first Board consisting of Lloyd A. 
Rider, A. W. Rodgers, and John C. Fisk, met at Benicia on May 7th, under 
the Presidentship of the first-named gentleman, when they appointed 
George Leviston to be a Justice of the Peace, vice Alexander Riddell 
deceased. 

On May 4, 1855, an Act of the Legislature was approved, "to take the 
sense of the People of the State, at the General Election in A. D. 1855, on 
the Passage of a Prohibitory Liquor Law ;" the provisions of which were, 
that the manufacture and sale of all spirituous and intoxicating liquors, 
except for mechanical, chemical, medicinal and sacramental purposes, should 
be prohibited. On being put to the vote in Solano county, the result was : 

Yes 143 votes. 

No 378 " 

The precincts for polling jjurpose.s were divided by the Supeivisors in 
this year, to be as under : 

Green Valley 1 

Suisun ■ 2 

Vacaville 2 

Montezuma 1 

Tremont 1 

Benicia 1 

Vallejo 1 

On November 13, J. W. Jones was appointed to the position of County 



116 THE HrSTOUY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Coroner, vice Larkin Richardson, who had failed to file his certificate of 
election. On August 21, 18.55, it was directed by the Board that the Su- 
pervisoral districts be changed, as under : 

I Benicia. 

District No. 1 -| 

( Vallejo. 

C Green Valley. 

DiSTBICT No. 2 -< 

(_ Suisun. 

C Vacaville. 
District No. 3 - Montezuma. 



(Tr 



emont. 



In the years 1856 and '.57, nothing of anj* moment occurred in the county, 
in regard to its political aspect. In 1858 the removal of the coimty seat 
occurred, a full account of which will lie found in the chapter on County 
Organizations, in this work. On January 22, 1859, the Board of Supervis- 
ors accepted the Bond of Captain Waterman, in respect to the handing 
over certain lands in Fairfield, for county purposes. On March 14th, they 
opened the bids for the erection of the Court House and Jail thei'e, viz : 

Larkin Richardson, for Court House and Jail S24,440 • 

J. D. Perkins, for temporary Court Hou.se, etc 1,373 

And on September 1st, the buildings were handed over by the contractoi's. 
By an Act of the Legislature, approved Aj)ril 28, 1857, the Suj)ervi.sors 
of the coimty of Yuba were authorized to subscribe a sum of 8200,000 to a 
railroad company which should connect the city of Marysville, and either 
the city of Benicia or any point on the Sacramento River, at or near 
Knight's Feny or Sacramento City. In May, of the .same year, the Super- 
\-isors of Solano county proposed that $250,000 worth of stock should be 
taken in the Sacramento and San Francisco Railroad, another company 
which had been started with warm advocates in Benicia. The newspapers 
of the time ardently urged the adoption of this scheme, and its submission 
to the vote of the people, which was afterwards done, and carried by a large 
majority. In a little while the Marys^alle company awoke to a sense of their 
danger in the opposition of the contemplated Sacramento road, when the 
former association filed their articles of incorporation forthwith, and 
commenced operations. The road is set forth as commencing at Marysville, 
and extending through Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, and Solano counties, to a point 
on the San Pablo Bay, near Vallejo, eight}' -five miles in length, which was 
expected to cost 83,000,000. The bill was duly introduced into the Senate, 
and approved. On April 10, 18.59, an Act authorizing the county of Solano 
to subscribe 8200,000 to tlie capital stock of this railroad, was approved, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 117 

subject to the accepting thereof by the people, which was submitted to their 
vote at the general election of 1859, with the following result : 

Yes 796 

No 6G1 

The Supervisors were empowered to issue bonds bearing interest at the 
rate of seven per cent j)er annv/in from date of issue, i)ayable half-yearly. 
Only $100,000 of these bonds were paid, however, to the company, who, not 
having fulfilled the contract under which the amount was subscribed, 
an amended Act was submitted to the Legislature, during the regime of 
Messrs. Mizner and J. B. Frisbie, as Senator and Assemblyman respectively, 
and approved March 20, 1868, by which the California Pacific Railroad 
Company, a new corporation wliich had been started and duly incorporated 
under the general laws of the State, were to have assigned and transferred 
to them all stock subscribed for the San Francisco and Marysville Railroad 
Company. This was not to be limited to the first named corporation, how- 
ever, for section 14 of the Act directs : "The said Supervisors are hereby 
authorized and empowered to issue and deliver to the proper ofiicers of any 
railroad company which may, within two years from the passage of this 
Act, complete and have in running order a railroad from the Straits of 
Carquinez, or Vallejo Bay, to the northern boundary line of said Solano 
county, the same amount of bonds as the said San Francisco and Marysville 
Railroad Company would have been entitled to, had its said road have been 
fully completed in the year 1861, less the amount already issued." Of the 
original stock there is still $112,000 outstanding, which is being reduced at 
the rate of $9,000 a year. 

An Act, approved May 13, 1861, to separate from the office of County 
Clerk, the office of County Recorder took effect on the first Monday of Octo- 
ber, and an election for the latter office was also ordered to be held at every 
succeeding general election. To the duties of Recorder were added those of 
Auditor. An Act was also approved on the 14th of May, in which it was 
provided that Road Masters be elected, so soon as the County shall have 
been divided into Road Districts, at the general election of Sept. 4th, whose, 
duties were " to have the care and general supervision of the public roads 
within the district, to maintain them in as good repair and to erect such 
necessary bridges and culverts as the means at his command will permit ; 
and he shall also, by direction of the Supervisors, cause suitable guide- 
boards to be erected at the intersection of important roads. He shall 
oversee and direct the labor expended upon the roads, and see that teams, 
ploughs, scrapers and other implements, ai-e furnished for the road sei'vice. 
He shall, between the first day of October and the first day of June, in 
each year, give to each person in his road district, who is liable to pay road 
tax, at least three days notice of the time and place at which such person 
shall appear for the purpose of working on the public roads," etc. 



118 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTV. 

In February, 1867, the county was divided into assessment districts con- 
forming to those Avhich elected Super\-isors, offices wliich were afterwards 
discontinued as being unwieldj'. 

Nothing of anj- particular impoi-tance to affect the county occurred in the 
few following years until 1871 — the year of the Tapeworm ticket ; the 
following history of which has been kindly supplied by Mr. George A. 
Gillespie. 

FAC-SIMILE OF THE TICKET. 



lor. NewtoD Booth. For Lieuti 
ate Treasurvr. PenlioaQd 8aehr. For Sui 
ve. For Clerk of the Supreme Court. Grant I. Taggarl. For State Printer, 
r Atueod to Art. 1 of theCon*t.— Yes. Refund Debt.— No. For Congre^smai 
r Sheriff. Joseph Jacobs- For Treasurer. K. D. Perkins. For Recorder. Geo. I 

. Joseph HoTt- For Surve.vor, Wni. W. Fitch. For SupL of Schools. Wni. H, Frv. For Pub, Administrator. Hazen Hojl. 
" " " -xisor. 1st Dist.. A. D- Starr. For Constables, Ed. Longan and W. Marker. For Boadmaster. A. E. Thnrber. 



rernor, Romudld 


P 


acbeco- For Secretarv 


or State 


I>ru 


T Melone. 


irvevor-Oeneral 


Robert Garda 


r. For Attoraey-G 




:. JobD L. 


tiomas A. Spriug 






CommUsi 






McGtTQQ. 


Third DUtrict. Joht 


M. CoghUD 


. For Asse 


mblrma 


.M. 


J. WriEht. 


Sic Kin ley. F.t 




k.Chas. A. Kid.ler. F«> 




Allorney.J.F. 



The so called " Tape-wonn Ticket," the use of which at Yallejo, at the 
election of 1871, ca,used so much comment and adverse criticism, both in 
and without the State, and even in the United States Congress, had its 
origin in this wise : The Navy Yard, at Mare Island, after the election of 
Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, passed into the control of the Republi- 
can part}', and, especially during the war, a very large number of mechanics 
and laborers were given employment there. These men, or a large majority 
of them, prior to each general election, became enrolled members of Repub- 
lican clubs, and were to all appearances, supporters of the Republican ad- 
ministrations, but it was found at the c hunting of ballots at each election 
there were an uncomfortably large number of Democratic votes in the 
ballot boxes. To remedy this, various kinds of " non-imitative " and " non- 
scratchable " ballots were de\"ised, both printed and engraved, but in every 
case the Democrats, by the use of tissue-paper " pasters," and other devices 
circumvented the ^^gilance and craft of the administi-ation politicians and 
managed to have a large number of Democratic votes put into the ballot 
boxes by these professed Republicans. At a meeting of the Republican 
County Central Committee of Solano in August, 1871, after it had made 
an-angements to supplj- all the precincts of the county with a sufficient 
"quantity of Republican ballots — save VaUejo, the members from that 
section announced to the committee that it would be necessary to have a 
new and different style of ballot for that precinct in order to prevent 
imitation, pasting and scratching. After some deliberation the matter was 
left to a sub-committee of two pei-sons, with orders to have printed three 
thousand ballots of a design which it should adopt. This sub-committee 
subsequently went to San Francisco, and applied to the printing stationers, 
William B. Cooke <&: Co., to have the proposed ballots printed. They were 
not decided as to the plan or style of the ballots needed, so Mr. Cooke 
suggested to them that he would have several different designs prepared by 
his foi'eman -printer during the day, and if they would call on the follo^ving 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNT V. 119 

morning they could make their selection as to which they would order. 
Four or five designs were prepared, and among the lot was this " tape-worm 
ticket," which in the judgment of the committee seemed specially designed 
" to fill the bill," and it was selected by them and an order given to print 
the required three thousand. These ballots were sent to Vallejo, and on the 
night previous to the day of election they were parcelled out to the Navy 
Yard foremen, who in turn reparcelled them out t« their workmen, and they 
were very extensively voted during the day, carrying the precinct largely 
for the Republican party. But even with all the intricacy of its design 
and make up, one hundred and twenty -eight of these ballots were scratched 
and pasted by Democratic voters. Hundreds of these ballots were preserved 
by the curious as mementoes of political intimidation, and one of them in 
the hands of Senator Ca.sserly, found its way to the United States Senate 
where it was exhibited to the gaze of astonished Senators as the acme 
of " bull-dozing " acumen. This episode in Solano's political history, dis- 
graceful as such proceedings were claimed to be, was not without a Vjenefi- 
cial result, for beyond a doubt, to this tape-vmm ticket and its use are we 
indebted for our present wise, and satisfactory uniform ballot law. 

On May 7, 1873, the ofiices of Recorder and Auditor were consolidated, 
by direction of the Board of Supervisors, whose numbers were in this year 
increased from three to five, while the new office of Commissioner of High- 
ways was created ; but after one term it was abrogated, the duties of the 
office lapsing into the hands of road-masters, as before. At the Judicial 
Election, held on October 15th, the votes for County Judge resulted in a tie, 
as under : 

0. B. Powers receiving 1,241 votes; John M.Gregory, Jr., receiving a 
like number. A new election was therefore called for December 16th, when 
Judge Gregoiy received 1,286 votes, as against 1,212, obtained by Mr. 
Powers. 

An Act to permit the voters of every township or incorporated city in 
the State to vote on the question of granting licences to sell intoxicating 
liquors was approved by the Legislature, March 18, 1874. It was famil- 
iarly known as the " Local Option Law," and was put to the voters of 
Solano County on May 3Uth of that year, showing : 

For liquor license 1,022 

For no liquor license 904 

Majority of 118 for license. 

The office of Auditor was established and made separate from that of 
Recorder by Act of the Legislature, approved March 30th, T. P. Hooper 
being the first incumbent of the former office. The same Act also pro- 
vided that the County Treasurer should be ex officio Tax Collector, thus 



120 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

abolishing that office, while the offices of Public Administrator and County 
Coroner were xinited and consolidated on May 11th, lcS7"). 

We now come to the last great event in the political history of Solano 
count}', namely, the order for a new Constitution of the State, and its ulti- 
mate passage by an immense majority, that in Solano being two hundred 
and ninety-three. 

It was found that the provisions in regard to taxation and property were 
of too vague a nature to be allowed to hold at this period of progre.ss. At 
the time when the old Constitution was framed in Monterey, it was never 
contemplated that the State would be ever anj-thing but a purely mining 
country ; and as each mining section had its own local laws, more distinct 
terms in regard to what was legally meant by property and taxable pro- 
perty, were not thought to be necessary. At last the day came when a de- 
cision of the Supreme Court ruled that credits are not property in the 
sense in which the word property is used in Section 13 of Article XI of the 
Constitution, and cannot be assessed for taxes, or taxed as property, even if 
secured by mortgage. (The People rs. Hibernia Bank, Cal. Reports, 51.) 

The popular voice became clamorous on this decision for a change of rule ; 
and though having been before mooted, and successfully balked by former 
sessions of the Legislature, an Act to provide for a Convention to frame a 
new Constitution for the State of California was approved on ilarch 30, 
1878 ; and by a Proclamation of the Governor an election throughout the 
county of Solano was ordered to be held on June 19, 1878, for the pur- 
pose of electing delegates to a Constitutional Convention, to meet at Sacra- 
mento, on September 28th. Thirty-two delegates were to be elected by the 
State at large, of whom not more than eight should be residents of any one 
Congressional District. One delegate was allowed for the counties of 
Solano and Yolo, jointly, and three for Solano county alone. The result 
was: 

Delegate for Solano and Yolo counties, jointly : 

C. F. Reed (of Yolo) 741 votes. 

For Solano county : 

Joel A. Harvey 859 votes. 

J. M. Dudley 821 " 

S. G. Hilborn 769 " 

The election for the adoption or rejection caused a deep seated feeling 
throughout the entire State, and for months the county was in a perfect 
ferment ; at last the 7th of May arrived ; the following morning the news 
wa« flashed throughout the length and breadth of the land of the adoption 
of California's new organic law ; and now nothing but Time can solve the 
riddle as to whether the decision was a wise one or not. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



121 



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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



125 



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p. McElroy, Vallejo 

R. S. Maguiness, Vallejo 

H. Norton, Benicia 

R. E. Bournes, Benicia. . 
W. A. Field, Green Val- 
ley. 
E. Tilton, Green Valley . 

V. Wilson, Suisun 

C. Loomis, Suisun 

J. C. Maupin, Vacaville. 

J. S. Johnson, " 

J. McFarland, Tremont. 

S. G. Little, Tremont.... 
J. F. Pierce, Montezuma 
R. G. Garfield, Monte'nia 
S. Triplett, Maine Pra'ic 
G, B. Triplett, " 
John Sedgley, Vallejo . . 
J. G. Johnson, Benicia. . 
R. C. Gillespie, Green 

Valley. 
H. Blanchard, Suisun. . . 


H. Eversole, District No. 

1, Vacaville. 
James Ewing, District 

No. 2, Vacaville 

J. W. Zurnwaldt, Dis- 

trict No. 3, Vacaville.. 
W. Driesbach, Tremont. 
G. A. Daniels, District 

No. 1, Montezuma 

J. M. Upham, District 

No. 2, Montezuma. 
S. Stewart, District No. 

3, Montezuma. 


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Chas. Ackermau, Vallejo 
J. O'Donnell, Benicia. . . 
Mich. Peiidergast, Beu'a 
W. A. Field, Green Val- 
ley. 
D. Lander, Green Valley 

R. M. Apgar, Suisun .... 
Hooker Ballard, Suisun. 
J. T. Hull, Vacaville.... 

James 0. Zurnwaldt, 

Vacaville. 
S. F. Hyde, Tremont.. . . 


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John Sedgley, Vallejo . . 

Charles Quigg, Benicia. . 

J. H. Delameter, Green 
Valley. 

A. L. Chapman, District 
No. 1, Vacaville. 

M. M. Richardson, Dis- 
trict No. 2, Vacaville . 






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T. H. Colbv, " 

H. Norton, Benicia 

R. E. Bournes, Benicia.. 

W. P. Durbin, Green 
Valley. 

M. Packard, Green Val- 
ley. 

N. C. Butler, Suisun .... 

C. W. Webster, Suisun.. 

J. C. Maupin, Vacaville . 

J. 0. Johnson, " 

John Wilson, Tremont. . 

J. J. Saunders, Tremont 
J. F. Pierce, Montezuma 
H. Pierce, " 




J. W. Farmer, Vallejo . . 
Charles Quigg, Benicia. . 
W. Fowler, Green Valley 

A. B. Meacham, Suisun . 




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Thomas Casey, 

H. Norton, iicnicia 

R. E. Bournes. Benicia. . 

John Bryant, Green Val- 
ley. 

John Breedlove, Green 
Valley. 

William Quinton, Suisun 

R. M. Apgar, Suisun .... 

T. P. Long, Vacaville.,. 

James Johnson, Vaca- 
ville. 

Shepard Andrews, Tre- 
mont. 

Floyd Potter, Tremont. . 

John Pierce, Montezuma 

H. Cruder, " 






























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John Dawson, Vallejo. . . 
Jesse Wright, " ... 

H. Norton, Benicia 

R. E. Bournes, " 

C. T. Canfleld, Green 

Valley. 
John M. Cutler, Green 

Valley. 


M. W. Pratt, " 

C. H. Stevenson, Vaca- 
ville. 

JanieS- Johnson, Vaca- 
ville. 

Shepard Andrews, Tre- 
mont. 
































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126 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 












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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



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Edward Longan, " 
J. O'Donnell, Benicia. . . 
W. M. Sanderson," . . . 
David Ramsay, Gresn 

Valley. 
Hillis Martin, Green 

Valley. 

M. V. (.>wen, Suisun 

James T. Wells, " .... 
U. K. Korns, Vacaville. . 
S. W. Lavcock, " .. 
J. S. Graves, Silveyville 

T. P. Barnes, 

L. Pearson, Tremont. . . 

H. W. Royce, " 

W. L. Talbot, Maine Pr'e 

G. Luttgess, " " 

B C. Sidwell, Rio \ista 
W. S. Johnson, Rio Vista 
C. H. Rice. Montezumi 
C. K. Marshall, " 
W. S. Johnion, Denver'n 
David E. Wallace, " 
W. C. Bobbit, Elmira... 
JohnTruett, " .. 


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J. O'Donnell, Benicia... 
Josejjli Rr.xburv, " 
Isaac Hickman, Green 

Valley. 
James Lemon, Green 

Valley. 

M. V. Owen, Suisun 

H W. Blanehard," .... 
H. Eversole. Vacaville . . 
L. B. Hawkins, " 
C. R. Rouse, Silveyville. 

William Turnish, " 
Reuben Brunson, Trem't 

Samuel Triplett, Maine 

Prairie. 
Mathew Rychard, Maine 

Prairie. 
J. D. Ingersoll, RioVista 
W. S. Johnson, 
William McMeans, Mon'a 


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J. R. Lee, " . . 
J. O'Donnell, Benicia.. 
Joseph Rnxbury, " ... 
William Higgings, Green 
Valley. 

M. V. Owen, Suisun.. 
H. W. Blanehard, " . . 
Charles T. Loomis, Vaca- 
Richardson Long, Vaca'e 

D. 0. Musselman, Sil- 
veyville. 

T. P. Long.'Silveyville.. 
Reuben Brunson.Tiem't 

C. P. Dryden, Maine 

Prairie. 
Stephen Lent, Maine 

Prairie. 
R. Thrush, Rio Vista... 
J. M. Perry, 
John Trueman,Mont*ma 

E. D. Shed, 

(J. Garfield, Denverton . . 
S. S. Seely, 




,■''■'■ ' ■ ■ - • ■ '- - ' - 












William E. Burke," 
J. O'Donnell, Benicia... 
R. E, Bournes, " ... 
Thomas Tickle, Green 

Galley. 
E. Tilton, Green Valley. 

W. T, Bartlett, Suisun.. 

N. C. Butler, 

v.. H. Stevenson, ^'acav'e 

J E. Duncan, 

E. Brown, Jr., Tremont. 

Reuben Brunson, " 

Daniel Cushman, Mon- 
tezuma. 

R. Trush, Montezuma.. 

C. P. Dryden, Maine 
Prairie. 

Stephen • Lent, Maine 
Prairie. 












'•'•'■'■' ■■ =-- = = = ■-'- ■'■■ -■ 












K. S. Maguiness, " .... 

H. Norton, Benic.a 

R. K. Bournes. " .... 
W. A. Fiold.Green Valley 

E. Tilton, 

V. Wilson, Suisun 

C. Loomis, " 

J.C. Maupin.Vacaville.. 

J. S. Johnson, " 

J. McFarland, Tremont. 

S. Little, " 

J. F. Pierce, Montezuma 

R. Thrush, " 

S. Triplett, Maine Prairie 

G. B. Triplett," 












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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



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130 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



MEXICAN GRANTS. 



BY A. J. DOBBINS. 



SUSCOL — SUISUN — TOLENAS — LOS PUTOS — RIO LOS PUTOS — . 
TILPINOS. 

When California was acquired by the United States by treaty with the 
Mexican Government, the larger portion of the five hundred and forty-five 
thousand four hundred and forty acres included in the present boundary 
lines of Solano county was covered by, and claimed under, six Mexican 
grants, distributed as follows : 

" The Suscol," Ij'ing in the southern and western portion of the county, 
includmg the to'v\Tiships of Vallejoand Benicia, and containing aVjout eighty- 
four thousand acres. 

The " Suisun," lying to the eastward of the Suscol, including within its 
limits the whole of Suisun valley, together with the towns of Suisun and 
Fairfield, and containing seventeen thousand seven hundred and fifty-two 
acres. 

The "Tolenas," or " Armijo," lying to the north and east of the Suisun, 
and containing thirteen thousand three hundred and fourteen acres. 

The " Los Putos,." or Vaca and Pena, hnng to the northeast of the Armijo, 
covering the town of Vaca^^lle and the whole of Vaca valley, and contain- 
ing forty-four thousand three hundred and eighty acres. 

The " Rio Los Putos," or Wolfskill, lying to the northwest of the Los 
Putos, and on both sides of Putah creek, in both Solano and Yolo counties. 
That portion situated in Solano county, containing eight thousand eight 
hundred and eighty acres. 

The " Ulpinos," or Bidwell, located in the eastern portion of the county, at 
the junction of the Sacramento river and Cache Slough, covering the to'WTi 
of Rio Vista and the Montezuma hills, and containing seventeen thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-two acres. 

By the terms of the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, the United States, 
upon proper showing of titles by grantees of the Mexican and Spanish 
Governments, was found to confirm them, and not only were perfect titles 
acquired by the inhabitants under Mexican domination agreed to be 
re.spected, but also such equitable claims as had their origin in the action 
of the Mexican Government, but were undeveloped and incomplete at the 
date of the treaty ; and it was stipulated that such steps should be taken 
as were necessary to protect the same. The rights of property of the 
citizens of the ceded territory were to remain unchanged. By the law of 



THE HISTOBY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 131 

nations those rights were sacred and inviolable, and the obligation passed 
to the Government of the United States to protect and maintain them by 
proper legislative action when the requisite protection could not be afforded 
by the ordinary course of judicial proceediftgs in the established tribunals 
or by existing legislation. 

In many instances, however, the boundaries of the grants were indefinite, 
and the titles to some being imperfect, for years the affairs of the county 
were in an unsettled condition, consequent upon the frequent recurrence of 
acts of violence and bloodshed growing out of the litigation of land titles. 
Surveying parties were frequently forced to desist and driven off by armed 
gangs of squatters, who desti'oyed and removed monuments and land-marks, 
obstructed the officers of the law in the discharge of their official duties, and 
who carried their lawlessness to such an extent that many bona fide pur- 
chasers willingly disposed of their claims for a nominal sum and betook 
themselves to some more quiet county, where the danger of loss of life or 
limb was not a necessary concomitant upon the ownership of real estate. 

The bitter and protracted controversy which arose out of the dispute as 
to the location of the line between the Suisun and the Armijo Grants, pre- 
sents a striking illustration of the indefinite and uncertain manner in which 
these grants were located by the original grantees, at a time when the 
question of a few hundred, or even thousand, acres was a matter of so little 
importance as to be unworthy of attention. But, subsequently, as the years 
rolled on, and the increase in values required the boundary lines to be 
distinctly and permanently settled, the latitude which had formerly been 
allowed to the original grantees in locating their grants, as necessity or 
convenience dictated, proved a source of almost interminable annoyance 
and vexation, as well as a heavy expense to those who purchased under 
them. 

On the 16th of January, 1837, Francisco Solano, the chief of the tribe of 
Indians known as the Suisunes, presented to Commandant-General M. O. 
Vallejo a petition for a grant of land in the following terms : 
"To the Commandant-General: 

" Francisco Solano, principal chief of the unconverted Indians and born 
captain of the ' Suisun,' in due form before your Honor represents ; 

" That, being a free man, and owner of a sufficient number of horses and 
cattle to establish a rancho, he solicits from the strict justice and goodness 
of your Honor, that you be pleased to grant him the land of the Suisun, 
with its known appurtenances, which are a little more or less than four 
square leagues from the ' Portzuela to the Salina de Sacha.' Said land 
belongs to him by hereditary right from his ancestors, and he is actually in 
possession of it, but he wishes to revalidate his rights in accordance with 
the existing laws of our Republic and of the order of colonization recently 
decreed by the Supreme Governement. 



132 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COrNTY. 

" He, therefore, prays that your Honor be pleased to grant him the land 
which he asks for, and procure for him, from the proper sources, the titles 
which may be necessary for his security, and that you \vill also admit this 
on common paper, there being none of the corresponding stamp in this 
place. 

(Signed) " Francisco Solano. 

" Sonoma, January 16, 1837." 

To this petition the Commandant-General responded by issuing a decree, 
in which he granted to Solano, temporarily and provisionally, the use of 
the land petitioned for, to the amount of four square leagues, at the same 
time instructing the grantee to ask from the governmental of the State the 
usual titles, in order to make valid his rights in conformity with the order 
of colonization. 

Accordingly, on the loth of January, 1842, Solano presented a petition to 
Governor Juan B. Alvarado, accompanying it with the above petition to the 
Commandant-General, together with the temporary grant made by that 
officer, and asked for a permanent and perpetual grant of the premises. 

In answer to this petition. Governor Alvarado, on the 21st of January, 
1842, issued a gi-ant in due form, of Mdiich the following is a copy : 
[seal.] " Juan. B. Alvarado, 

"Constitutional Governor of the Bepartment of the Californias. 

" Whereas, The aboriginal, Francisco Solano, for his own personal benefit 
and that of his family, has asked for the land known by the name of Suisun, 
of which place he is a native, and chief of the tribes of the frontier of Sono- 
ma, and being worthy of reward for the quietness which he caused to be 
maintained by that unchristianized people ; the proper proceedings and 
examinations having previously been made as required by the laws and 
regulations, using the powers conferred on me in the name of the Mexican 
nation, I have granted to him the above mentioned land, adjudicating to 
him the ownership of it, by these presents, being subject to the approbation 
of the most excellent Departmental Junta, and to the following conditions, 
to-wit : 

1. " That he may inclose it, without prejudice to the crossings, roads, and 
servitudes, and enjoy it freely and exclusively, making such use and culti- 
vation of it as he may see fit ; but within one year he shall build a house 
and it shall be inhabited. 

2. " He shall ask the magistrate of the place to give him Juridical posses- 
sion of it, in virtue of this order, by whom the boundaries shall be marked 
out ; and he shall place in them, besides the land-marks, some fruit or forest 
trees of some utility. 

3. " The land herein mentioned is to the extent of four ' sitios de ganado 
mayor,' (four square leagues) with the limits, as shown on the map, accom- 
panying the respective expediente. The magistrate who gives the possession 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 133 

will have it measured according to ordinance, leaving the excess, that may 
result, to the nation for its convenient uses. 

4. " If he contravene the.se conditions he .shall lose his right to the land 
and it may be denounced by another. 

" In consequence, I order that the.se presents be held firm and valid ; that 
a register be taken of it in the proper book, and that it be given to the 
party interested, for his voucher and other purpo.ses. 

" Given this twenty-first day of January, one thou.sand eight hundred 
and forty-two, at Monterey. 

(Signed) " JuAN B. Alvarado. 

(Signed) " Manuel Jimeno, Secretary." 

In September, 184.5, the Committee on Vacant Lands submitted to the 
Departmental Assembly a report in which the approval of the grant was 
recommended ; and, thereupon, in the following month, that body i.ssued 
the following order : 

"Angeles, Oct. 3, 1845. 

" In session of this day. the proposition of the foregoing report was 
approved by the most excellent Departmental Assembly, ordering the 
original expediente to be returned to His Excellency, the Governor, for 
suitable purposes. 

(Signed) " Pio Pico, President. 

(Signed) "Augustin Olona, Secretary." 

A copy of the order of approval was issued to Solano on the same day. 

The first application of Armijo for his grant was made some two years 
subsequent to that of Solano, and was in the following language : 

" Senor Coramandant-General : 

" Jose Francisco Armijo, by birth a Mexican, before your Honor, in the 
manner which may be best for me in the law, say : That having four 
sons, natives of the same country, without owning any lands to cultivate, 
finding myself owner of about one hundred head of cattle, the product of 
which I annually lose, supplicate that your Honor will be pleased to con- 
cede to me the place known to me by the name of Tolenas. That in 
company with my son, Antonio Maria, I dedicate myself to the cultivation 
of my own land and the breeding of cattle, with the understanding that the 
land which I solicit is from the place already mentioned to Ololatos creek, 
containing about three leagues of land, more or less, and it joins with the 
Suisun rancho. 

" For this I pray that you will be pleased to decree as 1 have petitioned, 
for which I respectfully forward, herewith, the map. 

" This favor I shall perpetuate on my memory. 

[Does not know how to sign.] 

" Sonoma, Nov. 22d, 1839." 



134 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Immediately upon the receipt of the petition the Commandant-General 
made an order upon its margin, in which permission was given to Armijo 
to occupy the premises described therein upon condition that he should not 
in any manner molest or disturb the wild Indians who lived upon it ; but, 
on the contraiy, he should endeavor to inspire them with confidence in the 
whites ; and should any act of rebellion occur among them he should imme- 
diately communicate the same to Solano, the chief of the " Suisunes," with 
whom, by reason of his proximity with both parties, it would be convenient 
to advise as to whatever might conduce to the lives and tranquility of the 
settlers. Armijo, upon this order, entered into the possession of the land, 
and subsequently presented a petition substantially the same as the one to 
the Commandant-General, to Jose Castro, the Prefect of the First District, 
asking for a permanent grant, in accordance with the law of colonization. 

This petition the Prefect referred to the Governor, together with his 
Report upon the same, as follows : 

"Most Excellent Senor Governor: 

" The Prefecture being informed of the petition which Jose Francisco 
Armijo makes in claiming the land which he indicates, and of the oi'der 
of the Senor Commandant-General, no objection is found to the concession 
which the Government ought to decree, provided the party interested ob- 
tains the necessary requisites to be attended to, and that the place which he 
solicits is found to be entirely vacant. 

(Signed) Jose Castro." 

In response to the petition, Governor Alvarado, on the 4th of March, 
1840, issued a grant to Ai-mijo for the three square leagues, to which grant 
the same conditions were annexed as were contained in the grant to Solano, 
relative to the manner of acquiring possession, establishing boundary lines, 
and the planting of trees within its limits, to which an additional condition 
was annexed that through no motive whatever should he in any manner 
molest the Indians who were there located, nor the immediate neighbors 
with Avhom he Avould adjoin. 

The grant was issued in all respects with due regard to form, with the 
single exception that it never received the approval of the Departmental 
Assembly, as was the case in the Suisun grant. However, it was subse- 
quently decided by the Supreme Court of this State that such lack of ap- 
proval did not in anj-^ way impair its title. 

Solano's title to the Suisun grant was subsequently acquired by M. G. 
Vallejo, by purchase, and that of Armijo to the Tolenas, upon his death, in 
1849, by his son Antonio. 

Before the death of the elder Armijo, some time in the year 1847, a dis- 
pute arose between M. G. Vallejo, Solano's grantee, and Armijo, concerning 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 135 

the location of the boundary line between the two grants, which resulted in 
the institution of an action of tresspass by Vallejo against Armijo, before 
Alcalde L. W. Boggs, Armijo claiming that a certain arroyo seco, or dry 
gulch, formed the line, and Vallejo placing it some distance to the north- 
ward, the difference in question involving several thousand acres of land. 
It was finally, agreed, however, that the matter be submitted to two arbi- 
trators, whose decision should be final. Accordingly one Cajetano Juarez 
was selected as arbitrator on the part of Vallejo, and one Salvador Vallejo, 
on the part of Armijo. 

The arbitrators held a meeting in August, 1847, at which time proofs and 
documents on both sides were presented to them, and on the 16th of that 
month they submitted the following award : 

" We, the undersigned, appointed arbitrators by and for Mariano G. Vallejo, 
and Francisco Armijo, to decide upon the question existing between them 
for having the last trespassed his limits, and usurping part of the land be- 
longing to the farm of the first, as it is expressed in the complaint presented 
before the Alcalde of the jurisdiction, L. W. Boggs ; and after hearing the 
declaration of both parties, and examination made of the proofs and docu- 
ments presented to us, we find that the limits of each farm are clearly deter- 
mined, in their respective titles, being those of the Tolenas fann, according 
to the said, the Suisun creek, which runs to the N. N. E. of Suisun, and be- 
ginning from thence, at the first limits mentioned there are to be measured 
three leagues running at E. N. E. as the ridge (Sierra) runs ; leaving the said 
ridge the natural limits lying between the two farms, separate them, leaving 
one at the north and the other at the south. Thus neither of the both 
parties is prejudicated, and the titual meaning of the respective titles to 
both farms are fulfilled with, and in order to so not burden one part more 
than another, the costs of the judgment and those of the tribunal ought to 
be paid equally by lioth parties. 

" And for the fulfillment of the contents of this pre.sent writing, we sign it 
by our hands and seals before the Alcalde of this jurisdiction, on the 16th 
day of August, A. D. 1847. 

(Signed) Cajetano Juarez, 

Arbitrator for M. G. Vallejo. 

(Signed) M. G. Vallejo. 

(Signed) Salvador Vallejo, 
Arbitrator for Francisco Armijo. 

(Signed) Francisco Armijo." 

This award as before stated, was made upon proofs and documents pre- 
sented by both parties, and was recived as a victory for the Armijo faction. 
For a time the matter was regarded as settled ; but the question subse- 
quently came again into dispute between purchasers under the respective 
claimants, in which the Armijo faction claimed that the award was final 



136 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

and conclusive of the action in their favor, and they also offered testimony 
to show that Vallejo and others claiming under him had stated to certain 
parties that the arroyo seco, or dry gulch, in reality formed the north line 
of the Suisun grant, and contended that such admissions fixed the boundary 
at that point. 

One Archibald A. Ritchie had in the meantime purchased Vallejo's in- 
terest, and procured a United States Patent for a large tract of land, which 
included in its limits that in controversy. The Ritchie purchasers claimed 
that the patent was in effect superior to the award made by the arbitrators, 
though issued at a later date, and for a time a bitter warfare, not un- 
attended with frequent acts of violence and bloodshed, was waged both in 
and out of Court. The matter finally culminated in the celebrated case of 
Waterman vs. Smith, in which it was decided upon appeal to the Supreme 
Court that the award was only conclusive until the action of the General 
Government. 

The dispute was continued for several years, however, until all the land 
in controversy was finally settled by compromise, or otherwise, and the 
danger which had formerly been attendant upon its ownership being 
removed, it rapidly increased in value, amply repajdng those who had suc- 
ceeded in retaining their claims after so many years of stubborn and tena- 
cious warfare. 

The most noted litigation almost in the annals of the State, grew out of 
the Suscol and the so-called " El Sobrante," or Luco grants. In the case of 
the former, it was claimed that General M. G. Vallejo had at various times 
during the Mexican troubles furnished the Government with large sums of 
money and otlier supplies ; and in consideration of these favors and in part 
payment for his services as an officer in the Government employ, the Suscol, 
an eleven leagued grant, had been deeded to him. The title subsequently 
came into dispute ; and after a most vexatious and expensive contest in the 
Courts, the grant was declared invalid and became public land. The Con- 
gress of the United States came to the relief of purchasers under the Vallejo 
title by the enactment of a special Pre-emption Act, allowing them to enter 
such lands, at $1 .25 per acre. 

In the case of the " Sobrante," one Juan Luco claimed to have purchased 
from a Mexican vaquero a grant which he had received from the Mexican 
Government, of the stupendous quantity of two hundred and eighty-four 
thousand acres ; but this grant, after a number of years of litigation, was 
rejected by the Courts, and that vast extent of territory added to the public 
domain. 

In respect to the Vaca and Peiia grant, nearly the entire property has 
gone out of the hands of the original grantees, they farming and owning but 
a very small portion of the original estate, while a history of the Los Ulpino 
grant will be found in the description of the township of Rio Vista. 



THK HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 137 



MURDER TRIALS OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



THE PEOPLE VS. EDWARD CROCKER — WILLIAM KEMP — BEVERLEY WELLS — 
GEORGE K. MANN — ROBERT B. MCMILLAN — PHILANDER ARNOLD — JACOB 
ZAESCK — MERRILL JAMES — D. H. FITZPATRICK — FRANK GRADY — WILLIAM 
WESTPHAL — D. G. GORDON — PANCHO VALENCIA — GUADALUPE VALENCIA — 
JAMES MALLON — JAMES LOWTHER. 



Mention has been made in another portion of this vohime, of the estab- 
lishment of Perfectiires, and a Judge of First Instance ; while the judg- 
ment decreed in a suit heard in the court of the latter, has been copied 
verbatim. 

With the acquisition of California by the Government of the United 
States, and the increase of population, better provision was made for carry- 
ing out the law. County Courts were established, and the Seventh Judi- 
cial District Court, among others, inaugurated. The first Judge of this 
Court was Robert Hopkins, who was succeeded by E. W. McKinstry, now 
of the Supreme Court. 

In the following resmne of the chief trials which have taken place in 
Solano county, we have confined ourselves to those of individuals who have 
been arraigned for the crime of murder. It has, however, been deemed best 
to refer to the following curious case as a starting point. 

The People v. Edward Crocker. — This was a case instituted at the 
instance of S. G. Hastings, Attorney-General, complaining that the defend- 
ant had intruded himself into the office of County Trea.surer, and un- 
lawfully held and exercised the duties of .said ofiice, and received the 
emoluments thereof. The plaintiff represented the different appointments 
to the office from its incipience in 18.51, until the election of November, 
1852, when George Leviston was preferred to fill the vmexpired term for 
which Osgood H. Evans, the original Treasurer, since dead, had been 
elected. That in due time his certificate of election had been granted 
and bond filed ; but, on demanding the books from S. C. Gray, the ap- 
pointee of the Court of Session as the locum tenens of Evans, prior 
to the general election, he refused to deliver them to the said Leviston, and 
continued to exercise the duties of the office and receive the emoluments 
until the 14th of December, 1852, when he left the county. That on or 
about the 16th of December, the defendant, Crocker, intruded himself into 
the office without legal authority, and unlawfully held the books and papers 
from Leviston, to the detriment of the public interests. 



13S THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

In answer, the defendant gave a general denial to the case as set forth in 
the complaint, which, on going to trial, Judge McKinstry, on February 3, 
18.53, founil for the plaintiff with costs. 

The People v. Peter William Kemp. — The first murder trial in Solano, 
county was that of Peter William Kemp, for the killing of Thomas Sullivan 
on the night of February 1, 185.5. The victim was a fireman on board of 
one of the steamers then lying in the port of Benicia, while the slayer was 
a workman in the blacksmith's shop of the Pacific Works there. From the 
ev^idence adduced at the trial, it Avould appear that Sullivan and Kemp, 
who lived together, had a quarrel as to which of the two should cook their 
supper, and that the latter took up a Mississippi rifle which was within 
reach, and followed the former into a room, in the act of doing which the 
piece exploded, killing Sullivan. The verdict at the trial was one of not 
guilty. 

Among the witnesses examined in this case for the prosecution were Bev- 
erley Wells, whose trial for murder immediately follows this, and that of his 
boon companion, Jolyi C, Heenan, the " Benicia Boy," of prize-fighting fame. 

The People v. Beverley T. Wells. — The facts of this distardly deed 
are the.se : James H. Dunn, was Third Assistant Engineer of the Pacific 
Mail Steamer " Golden Gate ;" he was killed by Beverley Wells, under the 
following circnmstances : It appears that Dunn and Wells had been inti- 
mate friends for some time ; that whenever the " Golden Gate " was in port 
they were constant companions, and never had any difficulty previous to 
the 17th February, 18.56. On that morning they went out together to take 
a pleasure ride in a buggy. In the evening they returned and proceeded to 
the steamboat landing. After remaining there a short time, \\'ells got into 
the buggy, and started up to^vn ; Dunn ran after him, saying, " Hold on ! " 
what, are you going without me ?" and caught the horse by the head. Some 
angry words passed between them, when Wells proceeded to the stable of 
the American Hotel with the buggy, and paid the bill. He then went to 
the store of Mr. T. Pander, and purchased a large knife, and then walked 
down towards the wharf. When about half-way along the plank road lead- 
ing from the ferry house to the landing, he was met by Dunn and a man 
named James Morgan. Dunn said : " Hallo Beverley ;" and immediately 
Wells struck him with the knife several times in quick succession. Dunn 
fell, crjdng : " Morgan, run for a doctor — I'm stabbed ; Oh, Mother ! Mother 1 
Mother ! " He expired in about ten minutes. On examining the body, four 
ghastly wounds were found, one in the abdomen at least six inches long, 
through which the bowels protruded ; one in the right breast ; one in the 
right thigh, six or eight inches long, and another on the right arm, near the 
right shoulder, completely severing the muscles. Wells was a large, power- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 139 

ful man : Dunn, about the medium size, slightly built. The murderer was 
at once arrested ; but there being no jail in Benicia, where the foul deed 
was perpetrated, he was confined in 'Martinez prison, Contra Costa County. 

The trial of the accused commenced on June 17th, and lasted the two 
following days, and was fully argued on both sideS, when on the 19th the 
following verdict was brought in: "The jury in the case of the People of 
the State of California vs. Beverley T. Wells, find the said Beverley T. 
Wells guilty of the crime of murder. John Doughty, Foreman." 

Monday, the 28rd of June, was fixed by the Court to pronounce sentence, 
which was done as follows: It is ordered, adjudged and decreed by this 
Court, that the said Beverley T. Wells be remanded to jail in charge of the 
Sheriff, from whence he be taken to some suitable place, to be selected by 
said Sheriff, in Solano county, on Friday, August the eighth, A. D. 1856, 
between the hours of ten A. M. of that day, and four P. M. of the same 
day, and then hung by the neck until he be dead. 

As the execution of Wells was the first to take place in Solano county, 
we reproduce an account of it from the " Herald " of August 9th, 18-56 : 

" Upon examination, it was found that our jail did not afford the neces- 
sary room, and no other place could be procured in town (Benicia) for the 
purpose. It was, therefore, necessary to have the scaffold erected in as 
secluded a spot as possible, in the hills adjacent to the town. 

" The ferry-boat, ' Carc^uinez,' being laid up, repairing, the Sheriff found 
it necessary to provide a small vessel to transport the prisoner from Marti- 
nez (where he had been confined). An escort of twenty men was detailed 
from the Solano Engine Company, at the request of the Sheriff, to perform 
guard duty, and all left at an early hour for Martinez. The prisoner had 
been attended by the Rev. Mr. McDonald (at present writing, pastor of the 
Church of the Ascension, at Vallejo), and he was immediately taken on 
board the vessel, which arrived at the wharf at half -past eight — Rev. Mr. 
Woodbridge met them there. The prisoner appeared quite weak from loss 
of blood, but was calm, and expressed himself as prepared to die. He had 
a short interview with one of his counsel, to whom he renewed his assur- 
ance of the truth of his former statements of the affair, and referring to a 
letter he had written about the time of his first attempt to commit suicide, 
requested that it might be published after his death. 

" At precisely ten o'clock the procession moved to the place of execution, 
accompanied by a large number of people. On arriving at the place, 
he ascended the scaffold, attended by the Rev. Messrs. Woodbridge and 
McDonald, Mr. SheriflT Shirley, and one of his deputies. 

" The Sheriff immediately proceeded to read the warrant, and, upon its 
conclusion, informed the prisoner that he could then have an opportunity 
to say anything he might wi.-:h Whereupon, he stepped forward firmly, 
and in a clear, unbroken voice, spoke, substantially as follows : 



140 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

" ' Gentlemen — This is a malicious murder ! James Morgan has perjured 
himself on the trial, not once, but fifteen or twenty times ! He is my mur- 
derer ! The homicide of Dunn, I am sure was justifiable ! I forgive Morgan. 
I am about to die like a man. I commit my.self to God, and die on ami- 
cable terms with all men.' 

" He then stepped forward on the drop ; his arms and limbs were tied by 
the Sheriff", and the prayers of the Episcopal Church were read by the Rev. 
Mr. McDonald; at their conclusion, and at the given signal, the drop fell. 
To all appearances he died instantly ; and after one or two slight convulsive 
struggles, all was .still. 

" The execution was witnessed by about four hundred people, all of whom 
seemed deeply aflteted, and throughout the entire scene the most perfect 
decorum prevailed. Mi-. Paul Shirley, the Sheriff", and Messrs. Estell and 
A. J. Bryant, Under and Deputy-Sheriff"s, respectively, performed their re- 
spective duties in a highly satisfactory manner." 

The following is a letter which Wells wrote while in Martinez jail at the 
time when suicide was contemplated by him : 

" To THE Public — Gentlemen : My life is a burden to me at this present 
time ; and being of a pi'oud spirit, and the way that I have been so unjustly 
dealt with, I have come to the conclusion to dispose of nij'self in the man- 
ner which you here observe. I think that I am in my rational mind, al- 
though sorely afflicted with my present position, together with the false 
heart and ffattering tongue of James Morgan, has caused me to commit 
myself in the manner that I have, and to present my soul to Almighty God 
for forgiveness of the so-called unpardonable sin. My exposition on the 
23rd of June, in the Court House, at Benicia, was the truth, and is my 
dying declaration. I die, knowing that he, James Morgan, has sworn to 
several malicious and absolute falsehoods knowingly ; but yet I forgive him. 
I hope that I leave this world on amicable terms with all mankind. After 
this publication let my name be ignored. 

" Beverley T. Wells. 

" Martinez Jail, July, 18.56." 

It may be interesting here to note that Sheriff" Shirley is now Senator 
from Contra Costa county ; Under-Sheriff" Estell is Under-Sheriff" of Sacra- 
mento county ; and Deputy-Sheriff" Bryant, the Mayor of San Francisco. 

It should here be observed, that as early as 1854 a case of homicide 
occurred in the count}', when Jonathan Cook was killed by a gun-shot from 
George- K. Mann ; but, owing to the absconding of the culprit, with Siff"ord, 
an accomplice, the case was never brought to trial. The facts are these : 
Cook, it appeared, had missed a considerable amount of money, and charged 
Mann with the theft of it, which was indignantly denied ; while Cook was 
warned not to repeat such an accusation. He disregarded the warning ; 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 141 

angry words ensued, which was followed by the killing of Cook as above 
described. This deed was done in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, 
and others ; yet the prisoner escaped. 

The People v. Robert B. McMillan. — This was a case of killing which 
occurred in Vacaville, whereby the defendant was indicted for the murder 
of John Parks, by reason of a dispute which took place through the alleged 
trespass of certain stock, the propeily of the defendant. The case was 
brought for trial before the District Court; but on September 30, 1859, the 
venue was changed to Yolo county, on motion of the attorney for the 
defendant. 

The People v. Philander Arnold. — The defendant was indicted and 
tried for feloniously killing one John M. Sweeney, at a certain corral in the 
township of Montezuma, in Solano county. The plea put in was that the 
homicide was in self-defense. The testimony, was, however, somewhat con- 
flicting as to the facts occurring at the time of the killing ; or, at least, was 
claimed to be so by the defendant. The reason for the shooting would 
appear to have been, that a difficulty occurred on the 24th of August, 1859, 
between Philander Arnold and Sweeney, in the course of which the former 
discharged a double-barrelled shot-gun at the latter, the charge taking effect 
in his thigh, causing Sweeney to fall foi-ward, from the effects of which he 
died on August 27th. At the time of the charge of murder being brought 
against the defendant, the charge of aiding and abetting was preferred 
against Oscar D. Arnold, the son, who had brought the weapon to his father. 
The Court, in its instructions to the jury, took occasion to make the follow- 
ing logical remarks, which for forcible diction, cannot well be surpassed : 
" When you were being impanelled, certain of your number declared that 
they wei'e strongly opposed to the infliction of capital punishment, but were 
not prepared to say that this opposition would preclude them from finding 
a verdict of guilty. I understood them to indicate only that as cifAzens — 
by V(jte and influence — they would endeavor to bring about such a change 
of legislative policy as would abrogate the death penalty, and substitute 
another punishment in its stead. This repugnance to taking part in a pro- 
ceeding which may result in depriving a human being of that life which we 
can never recall, is natural. I am not prepared to say that it is not highly 
proper ; at least, when it is not indulged in to such an extent as to cause 
us timidly to shrink from one of the duties which, as freemen, are imposed 
upon us as the means of presei^ving our liberties, among which, trial by 
jury, has ever been regarded as one of the most valuable of our privileges. 
I trust that, not only those of your number who are opposed to capital 
punishment, but all of the jurymen, have well considered the consequences 
to this defendant, of a verdict of murder in the first degree. Upon such 
verdict will follow an ignominious execution — the disgrace of an interesting 



142 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

family — and, whether or not, he be prepared for the awful separation — the 
dissolution of those mysterious bonds which unite the soul to its earthy 
tenement. 

" Logically, it might be argued that the jury have nothing to do with all 
this ; that their task is simply to ascertain whether the prisoner at the 1 lar 
be guilty or not guilty of the offense charged in the indictment. But it 
would be demanding too much of human nature, as it is constituted, to ask 
that these incidents .shall be disregarded; nor do I think it deairAble to 
require twelve rational men to shut their eyes to the consequences of their 
own acts. Accord them all due importance to these considerations. They 
can do no harm ; while they operate to urge you on to a full and candid in- 
vestigation into the facts of this case. I would have you feel the weight of 
the responsibility impo.sed upon you. But I would also have you summon 
all the faculties of your mind — especially all your moral courage — that you 
may make yourselves equal to the responsibility. I would have you prove 
yourselves worthy of the position you occupj'^ — worthy of the confidence 
reposed in you, not only by the prisoner and the Court, but also by the 
District Attorney, the representative of the People. Remember the evil 
consequences, if you permit a mistaken clemency to overwhelm the dictates 
of reason. Although they may not seem so distinctly visible and immediate, 
they are no le.ss certain than those which flow fi'om an error in the opposite 
direction. If, through your instrumentality, an innocent man should suffer, 
or a guilty man escape, you may not cast the fault upon the court, the 
counsel, or even upon the witnesses ; for you must say whether the latter 
are to be believed or not. You must endeavor in such case to satisfy your 
own violated consciences, and make peace with the offended God, in whose 
name you have sworn ' a true verdict to render, and true deliverance to 
make — according to the evidence.' " 

After a full trial, the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter. 

The People v. Joseph Zaesck. — The above case is another of those of 
trespass, with a resort to violence, to enforce what was thought to be right. 
It would appear that the defendant had ordered off Daniel Thompson, and 
his brother, Ole, the man killed by Zaesck, off certain grounds, situated on 
the Montezuma hills, and also refused to give up certain sheep, their prop- 
erty, which had strayed into the flock of one Ambrose, for whom defendant 
had been a herder. A dispute ensued, which resulted in the stabbing of 
Ole Thompson, by Zaesck, inflicting a wound, from the eftects of which he 
died on the I'tth day of November, 18G1, the day succeeding the commis- 
sion of the crime. A verdict was rendei'ed of guilty, on May 20, 1862, 
and he was finally sent to the State prison for four j'ears. 

The People v. Merrill James. — This was a case in which the defendant 
shot one Ashford Ashbrook, when at a dance at Mr. Fowler's in Green 
valley. James effected his escape, and has never been brought to trial. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 143 

The People v. D. H. Fitzpatrick. — This was one more of those cases 
arising out of a trespass, where the use of firearms was resorted to by Fitz- 
patrick, to assert his rights, resulting in the shooting of one Croesdale, a 
squatter, on the Potrero Hills. The trial was had in due course, and on 
Saturday, May 21, 1864, defendant was sentenced to ten years in the 
State prison : but, after serving two years, through the indomitable jjerse- 
verance and energy of his wife, he was pardoned. 

The People v. Frank Grady. — This was a cutting affair which occurred 
at the election polls at Bridgeport, on the 6th of September, 1865, in which 
a man named English was killed and two others fearfully wounded, while a 
third received two shots in his breast and shoulder from a pistol. The cir- 
cumstances attending the evieute are briefly these : About this time 
English aud his two sons, Charles and Perry, were cutting wood on land 
owned by Perry Durbin, and the latter restrained them by injunction, on 
account of which, it is suppo.sed Charles English made complaint to the 
military authorities at Benicia and caused the arrest of Durbin, Ramsey, 
Lamoree, Stilts and others for rejoicing over the assassination of President 
Lincoln. While at the polls, as above stated, English and Durbin were 
conversing ; English gave the lie to Durbin ; Durbin made a motion as of 
drawing a weapon, whereupon Charles English drew his revolver and com- 
menced tiring, two of the .shots taking effect upon Durbin, hitting him in 
the left breast and shoulder. Durbin then drawing his knife, turned upon 
Charles, who, in attempting to escape, ran out of doo s, but stumbled and 
fell, and commenced cutting at his throat, presenting a most horrible sight. 
Perry English on seeing his brother in a critical position, ran to his assist- 
tance, but just as he reached the contending parties, Frank Grady drew 
his revolver and shot Perry ju.st at back and under his right ear, killing 
him instantly. Grady mounted his horse and left for parts unknown. The 
father then went to the relief of his son Charles, when Durbin turned upon 
the old man, and stabbed him in the breast three times, making fearful 
wounds. Durbin and the elder English were brothers-in-law. In due 
course Grady was captured and twice tried, when on 19th September, 1866, 
he was acquitted. 

The People v. William Westphal. — The facts of this case are : Two 
Prussians, Fritz Poizing and William Westphal, were engaged in hauling 
barley from Westphal's ranch, about five miles south-ea.st of Denverton, to-the 
residence of Poizing, and when near the latter place went to the house and 
informed Mrs. Westphal, half sister of Poizing, that he had fallen from the 
wagon, and had been killed by being run over. She at once repaired to the 
spot and found Poizing still living and able to raise upon his elbow and 
signify by motions that he wanted water. She at once stai-ted to procure 



144 HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

the required beverage for the wounded man, when, after proceeding a short 
distance, on looking around, she saw Westphal strike Poizing three times 
upon the head with an axe, exclaiming " I will fix you out this time," and 
on again returning to the spot found life extinct. The defendant was found 
not guilty in the May term, 1866. 

The People v. D. G. Gordon. — The particulars of this case are : The 
crime was committed at Vacaville by the killing of William Byron by 
David G. Gordon. It appears that Byron and Gordon had been on terms 
of enmity for some time, and during the day had been using severe language 
towards each other. Just before the occurrence Byron was playing billiards 
in a saloon with Antonio Do Santos, and was just preparing to make a play, 
when Gordon came in somewhat intoxicated. The latter approached BjTon, 
put his arm around him, and the two talked for a little while apparently 
very amicably. They then shook hands, but as Gordon turned to go aAvay 
BjTon struck him with his cue, raising it to strike him again, when Gordon 
drew his pistol and shot Byron in the stomach. The latter then ran out of 
the back door and Gordon pursued him to the creek, firing at him four 
different times, each shot taking effect. Byron fell near the creek and ex- 
pired in a few moments. On 21st May, 1868, Gordon was convicted of 
manslaughter. 

The record of crime of this man Gordon did not cease here, for he has 
since in the State of Missouri been found guilty of murder and sentenced 
to death, which was afterwards commuted to imprisonment for life. 

The People v. James Campbell and Annie Robinson. — This was a case 
of poisoning which took place on the 25th January, 1869, whereby Jabez 
Robinson lost his life by the administering of strychnia at the hands of 
the defendants. Campbell, who though only an accessory before the fact, 
was indicted and tried as a principal and convicted and sentenced to death. 
Against this judgment he appealed to the Supreme Court, on the grounds 
that the verdict wa.s insufficient inasmuch that the jury had omitted to 
specify the degree of murder in their finding. This was held to be good in 
law by Judges Crockett, Rhodes, Temple and Wallace of the Supreme 
Court. Judgment was therefore reversed and the cause remanded for a 
new trial. This was appointed to take place on January 23, 1871, and one 
hundred persons were summoned for difficulty was expected in the selection 
of a jury. One, however, was impanelled, who brought in a verdict of not 
guilty. 

The People v. Pancho Valencia and Guadalupe Valencia. — The cir- 
cumstances attending this murder are briefly these : On the night of the 
3d March, 1S71, at seven o'clock, after the family of Joseph W. Hewitt 
had taken supper and retired to the parlor with some visitors, one of the 
family went to the door, in opening which she discovered two men crouch- 
ing low and approaching the house ; finding they were observed they 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUXTT. 145 

straifjhteiied up and coming towards her asked for " the man of the house." 
The little girl, Lizzie, who had gone to the door, went into the inner room 
and called her father, who came to the door ; she followed him. Upon this 
one of the men asked Hewitt if they could stay there all night. Hewitt 
replied that in consequence of there being company in the house, and his 
barn havnng been bm-nt but a few weeks ago, he coidd not accommodate them, 
but informed them that they would be able to obtain the desired lodgings 
at the next ranch where there was a barn. The man who had questioned 
him at first, now asked him if he would mind coming out a little way and 
point out to them the direction. Hewitt complied and stepping oti' the 
porch walked down the yard a few paces, and while raising his hand to 
direct them, the larger of the two men— he who had spoken during the 
inter%'iew — di'ew a pistol and shot Hewitt who fell crpng " I am murdered." 
The defendants were traced into Contra Costa county, arrested, brought 
home and put upon their trial for murder. Guadalupe was discharged, but 
Pencho was con^dcted and sentenced to death, said sentence ha\'ing been 
carried out on November 24, 1871. making the second execution in Solano 
comity. 

The People v. Ja:mes Mallox. — A case of wife murder which occurred 
at Benicia on the evening of the 23d May, 1877, where the defendant came 
home drunk and beat his wife until death ensued. He was in due coui-se 
arrested, tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, and on Septem- 
ber 25th, was sentenced to imprisonment for life. 

The People v. James Lowther. — On Sunday, June IGth, 1878, the town 
of Rio Yista was thrown into a high state of excitement by the killing of 
John Thompson by a stranger, and apparently in cold blood, without cause or 
provocation. The shooting occurred on Thompson's door step and in full 
view of his wife. The mui'derer gave himself up to the officers and was 
lodged in jail, and in due time tried. At the trial the follo^ving facts were 
developed : The murderer's name was James Lowth<?i', a resident of San 
Francisco. He had a sister named Rebecca to whom it was alleged that 
Thompson had been engaged to be married at one time, and while so en- 
gaged to her had seduced her. It came to Lowther's eare that Thompson 
had made his boast of his seduction, whereupon Lowther took the steamer 
the following Snnday for Vallejo, thence by rail to Fairfield, thence in 
a ' sulky ' across the country' to Rio Vista. Once there he inquired for 
Thompson and was shown his house. (Thompson was married to another 
woman and was liy^ing in his own house). Lowther went to the door, 
knocked, and Thompson came to the door. A very few words passed be- 
tween them when Lowther drew a revolver and shot Thompson, the ball 
taking efl"ect in the region of the heart. Thompson lived but a few 
minutes. Lowther was tried twice for the murder, ahd both times the 
jury disagreed. He is at present out on bail. 
10 



146 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



BENICIA 



The following interesting record of the township and city of Benicia has 
been most kindly furnished to us by S. C. Gray, Esq., an old pioneer of that 
city. We reproduce it, because a fuller and more concise record would be 
hard to find ; and we take this oppoi-tunity to thank the author for his 
kindness in extending to us the permission to allow it to form a no mean 
po.ition of the history of Solano county : 

"RECOLLECTIONS OF BENICIA. 
A Lecture — By S. C. Gray. 

From the Pacific Ocean, whose waters press the shores of California, 
along a coast line scarcely less than one thousand miles in extent, between 
the 117th and 124th parallels of W. longitude, and from the 32d to the 42d 
parallel of N. latitude, the main entrance into this great State for the ship- 
ping and commerce of all nations, is through the world-renowned " Golden 
Gate," the outlet for the waters contained within the Bay of San Francisco. 

The striking features of the " Golden Gate " have been described again 
and acain, by many writers ; and its praises will continue to be sounded so 
long as the .soul of man is touched by those beauties of nature that are pre- 
sented to his appreciation through the medium of his sight. 

As a comitei'part, or, perhaps, a continuation of this charming " Golden 
Gate," may be i-egarded the less renowned but equally beautiful, " Straits of 
Carquinez," constituting the passage from the San Francisco and San Pablo 
bays into Suisun baj', that receptacle for all the interior waters of the State, 
which from the length and breadth of the Sacramento and San Joaquin 
valleys, have here descended to flow on their way to the sea through the 
deep and commodious channel of these Straits. 

On account of their bold shores and beautiful outlines, the Straits have 
been likened to the Bosphorus, near Constantinople ; and it may well be 
predicted, that in time when these hillsides have been subjected to the 
cultme and adorned M^th the improvements of which they are susceptible, 
they will fairly rival that famous highway in attractiveness. 

On the north side of these Straits, at a distance of twentj^-eight miles 
from San Francisco, by the usual traveled route on steamer, but of not more 
than twenty-three miles north-eastwardly, in an air line, is situated the 
whilom city of Benicia, the scene of the I'eminiscences which are to be made 
the subject of this brief sketch. And what claim has Benicia, or its history, 
to our present consideration ? 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY, 147 

As we proceed, it is hoped that in due time this shall be made satisfact- 
orily to appear. 

Occupying a site, acknowledged to be rarely equalled for its natural 
advantages, on account of its capacious, land-locked harbor, having a great 
depth of water (not less than ten fathoms in mid-channel), its continuous 
water front for miles, the shores gently sloping up to the hills in the back- 
ground, thus affording a perfect natural system of drainage, its position as 
a center towai'ds which the great lines of travel must necessarily converge, 
and of its picturesque surroundings, it early attracted the attention of ad- 
venturous travelers, a few of whom, at least, confidently believed it to be 
fitted by nature, and destined to become in time, a connnercial city of very 
considerable importance. 

For a time, within the present generation, this view seemed likely to be 
realized ; but that time has passed ; and if it is to be renewed, it must be 
in the uncertain future, farther than the most gifted are permitted now to 
discern. 

The panorama visible from the highest point within its limits, is one of 
surpassing beauty, such as few cities anywhere can boast, and needs but 
to be seen to be admired. From this point, which is easily reached, at the 
moderate elevation of 400 feet above the level of the bay, and distant but 
two miles from the water-front, may be seen, looking northward at a dist- 
ance of about 20 miles, the twin peaks of the Suisun mountains, which 
separate Napa valley from Suisun valley, with a glimpse of the Vaca mount- 
ains, distant about 30 miles ; N. E. the range of Green valley hills, which 
hide from view Suisun and the great valley of the Sacramento ; eastwa.rd, 
the whole extent of Suisun bay, bounded by the Montezuma hills, 20 miles 
distant, with the white line of the Sierra Nevada rising in majesty, 100 
miles beyond; S. E. the Black Diamond coal hills, and grand old Mount 
Diablo, which, though 20 miles distant, looks scarcely more than five, in all 
its full proportions, from base to summit, towering above the valley which 
bears its name ; S., the village of Martinez, snugly embowered in its cosy 
shelter under the lee of its own wooded hills, with the great coast r9,nge of 
mountains stretching out beyond ; S. and S. S. W., the placid Straits of Car- 
quinez, hemmed in by the Conti-a Costa hills, which conceal from view the 
cities on the lower bay, but cannot prevent stem Mount Tamalpais from 
asserting itself prominently against the south-western sky ; then westward 
the eye rests and lingers enchantedly on this second " Golden Gate " of the 
Straits, opening out into San Pablo Bay, of whose broad bosom the view is 
only limited by the distant hills of Marin county, some 25 miles away ; 
then W. N. W., the city of Vallejo and Mare Island Navy Yard, in the fore- 
ground, with the hills near Petaluma in the distance ; and finally, in the N. 
W., the Sonoma mountains, and in the N. N. W., the Suscol hills, amid 
which, the view ends with Sulphur Spring mountain, some five miles dis- 



148 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

tant, as its most distinct and prominent object in that direction. In this 
panorama, which takes in a circuit of many hundreds of square miles, and 
a ^-eat variety of scenery the central object, spread out at your feet and 
skirtino- along the shore of the Straits, is the village of Benicia, resting as 
if in quiet and undisturbed repose, for no sound comes from its smooth 
streets, which are still comparatively in a state of nature, neither cobble- 
stones, nor basalt blocks, nor carbonized brick, nor any other patent 
pavement having, as yet, profaned them, the plank-road leading to the 
steamboat landing, alone furnishing the kind of music that responds to 
passinff wheels. In close connection with the village, and flanking it on the 
east, looms up the Military Post, including Benicia Barracks, the Arsenal 
buildings and greatly embellished groimds, the magazine, hospital, store- 
houses, etc. These occupy the point fronting on Suisun bay, and overlook- 
ing Martinez on the opposite shore. 

As early as in 1844, this peninsula had attracted the attention of our 
highly-esteemed fellow citizen, Seiior Don M. G. Vallejo, a native of Mon- 
terey, who soon became the possessor of its territory, as is shown by the 
grant from the Mexican Government, (referred to in another part of this 
work.) 

It was in the fall of this year, 1844, that Henry Clay was defeated, and 
James K. Polk elected President of the United States. Upon this fact 
hinged the momentous issue of the annexation of Texas, and the consequent 
war with Mexico in 1846-7, one of the results of which was the conquest 
of California, and its absorption by the United States, under the treaty 
concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo, on the 2d of February, 1848. 

Among the irregular proceedings in California during the war with 
Mexico, was the raising of the Bear Flag, by Capt. Granville Swift and his 
party, of whom Dr. Robert Semple was lieutenant, and the co-operation 
with them of Col. John C. Fremont, in the surprise and capture of Sonoma. 
They took Gen. Vallejo prisoner, and sent him in charge of Dr. Semple on 
a launch up to Sutter's Fort, where Gen. J. A. Sutter was in command, as 
well a^ supplj-ing stores and war materials to Fremont. On the way up, the 
vessel necessarily passed through the Straits of Carquinez, which were then 
seen for the first time by Dr. Semple. This was in June, 1846. General 
Vallejo remained a prisoner at Sutter's Fort about a week, when he was 
released by Commodore Stockton (Governor of the conquered territory), on 
his parol of honor, and Dr. Semple accompanied him back to Sonomo. Pass- 
ing through the Straits again on their return, Dr. Semple became greatly 
impressed with the advantages here presented for the location of a city, 
which he explained to the General, who had been so kindly treated, that he 
not only ceased from opposing, but became friendly to the invaders of his 
native State, and to encom-age them to come within and settle it, not long 
afterwards donated to Di'. Semple the site which had impressed him so 
favorably. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 149 

In pursuance of this agreement the site was surveyed by Jasper O'Far- 
rell and Lieutenant Warner, and the plat of this survey became substan- 
tially the map of Benicia. At that date no habitation of man adorned or 
disfigured the face of the land, which was absolutely in a state of nature, 
a luxuriant growth of wild oats holding undisputed sway over its un- 
dulating and treeless hills. 

And now commences the story of its early times. About the last of June, 
Mr. William I. Tustin, a native of Virginia, subsequently a resident of Il- 
linois, whence he had emigrated to California, and was sojourning at 
Sonoma, having heard that a town was being laid out on the Straits, came 
with his wife and son, a lad of four years, to take up his residence in the 
newly surveyed place. These constituted the first man, first woman and 
first child of the white race that ever settled and lived in Benicia. It is 
probable that the aboriginal Indians may have some time preceded them, 
but there was nothing to indicate it. They found nothing but the sur- 
veyor's stakes, and no human being in sight, save the surveying party just 
going away over the hills towards Suisun Valley, having completed their 
labors for the time being. This family of three camped a few days among 
the wild oats, until the arrival of Dr. Semp'e with a caigo of lumber which 
he had brought in a brig from Bodega. Having made arrangements with 
the Doctor for two lots on which to build, Tustin dug a well and com- 
menced making " adobes." 

In making his adobes, Mr. Tustin had the assistance of a new comer, a 
well educated and worthy young man named Charles L. Benedict, who was 
provided with unusually lai-ge feet, and who remarked that he never knew 
before what they were good for. He speculated on the prospect of some 
day becoming an old man, and narrating to his grandchildren this exploit 
of his youth, the honor of ti'amping in the mud to make adobes for the first 
house ever built in Benicia, This hou.se, now nearly thirty years old, still 
stands with its thick walls in a good state of preservation, and constitutes 
part of the residence of Jerry O'Donnell. 

The second house built was a one-story and attic frame, put up for and 
occupied by Dv. Semple himself. This house became the scene of some of 
the most interesting transactions of those early days. After passing 
through several hands, and being now greatly improved, it belongs to Mrs. 
J. W. Jones, and is occupied by George A. Hastings and family. It was my 
residence in 1849-50. 

The third house was an adobe built by Benjamin McDonald, and first oc- 
cupied by Capt. E. H. Von Pfister as a store, subsequently by the firm of 
Ricker & Evans. This is also in a good state of preservation, and is now 
occupied as a residence. 

Quite a number of houses were built in the Fall of 1847, and families 
came in and set4ed. Among these were Major Stephen Cooper, bringing 



150 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



with him a load of cabbages from Napa, Mr. Lamly Alford, Mr. Nathan 
Barbour, their respective familie; , and others. 

About this time the settlement of Yerba Buena having adopted the name 
of San Francisco, and becoming known thereby, the name of Dr. Semple's 
town which at first had been called France.sca, was changed to Benicia, to 
avoid complications. This name was given as required by the original con- 
veyance from General Vallejo, and in compliment to his wife, Francesca 
Benicia Felipsa Carrillo, daughter of one of the influential families of this 
department. The signification of the name is blesssed! 

In August or September, 18-t7, Capt. E. H. Yon Pfister, a native of New 
York City, who had been in the habit of trading on this coast, arrived from 
Honolulu, bringing with him a stock of goods, which he opened and dis- 
played m the adobe store just spoken of. This being 25x40, was commo- 
dious enough to constitute the rendezvous of the whole to^vn by day and 
to accommodate everybody in want of lodgings by night. The Captain 
being one of the jovial and hospitable sort, everybody was at home in his 
presence or under hi.s roof. 

Major Cooper's family occupied the house which had been built for Dr 
Semple, and furnished board to quite a number of the Captains lodgers A 
year or two later, the Major kept a real Hotel. 

About Christmas, 1847, the Major's eldest daughter, Miss Frances 
Cooper, was married to Dr. Semple, ex-Gov. L. W. Boggs, formerly of Mis- 
souri, but then Alcalde of Sonoma, officiating. The Governor made the 
journey from Sonoma to Benicia expressly to perform the ceremony. 

As this was the first marriage ever celebrated in the place, the boys deter- 
mined to honor the event with all the eclat possible. They found in Capt 
Von Pfister's stock of goods a lot of white linen pants, and a dozen blue 
cloth dress coats with brass buttons, and of most approved swallow tail cut 
The following are the names of the parties who decked themselves in a 
suit of this kind for the occasion, viz. : Landy Alford, Wm. Bryant David 
A. Davis, Benj. Forbush, Charles S. Hand, Edward Higgins, F. S. Holland 
Henry Matthews, Benj. McDonald, Wm. Russell, Geo. Stevens and Wm' 
Watson. 

These twelve good and true men, having first imbibed some good " o'd 
rye, the generous beverage of that day, which the Captain had first brought 
out by the decanter, but as that did not suffice, then by the bucketful, and 
being thus fortified in the inner man against the overpowering bashfulness 
that IS generally experienced when faultlessly attired in store clothes 
marched in procession up to Major Cooper's mansion, and were ushered into 
the august presence of the bridal party, and it is doubtful if ever on any 
similar occasion heartier congratulations were extended or reciprocated than 
on this. 

Twenty-nine years later the hearty old Captain who was an eye-witness 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 151 

of the scene, relates the event with as much gusto as if it had occurred but 
yesterday. He alone of all that company, still resides m Benicia. 

The second marriage, that of Mr. Benjamin McDonald with a daughter 
of Landy Alford, was solemnized by Major Cooper, who m January. 1848, 
had been appointed Alcalde by General Mason. . . ^ , 

Some years previous to this date, the peninsula had been visited by a 
restless native of Yankee land, who recognizing the advantages of the 
position conceived that some day he would come again, possess himself of 
the land and perhaps found a city upon the Straits, whereby to make him- 
self great, and perhaps perpetuate his name. At a subsequent visi^ about 
this time late in 1847, or early in 1848, to carry his design into effect, he 
found he was too'late, the chivalrous son of Kentucky having anticipated 
him and gained the prize. In full faith, however, of the future greatness 
of the place he obtained a number of its vacant lots, determined to share m 
the development then so confidently looked for, but died ere he saw any 
likelihood of his dreams being realized. On Cemetery Hill his resting- 
place is marked by a plain, white marble monumental shaft, bearing this 

inscription: — 

The Mountaineers Grave, 

Here he sleeps, near the Western Ocean's wave ! 

Miles M. Goodyear, 
Born in New Haven, Conn., February 24, 1818. 
Died Ln California, November 12, 1849. 
Selected as his future home, Benicia, where he wished to live, and to be 
buried at his death. 

Dr Semple was one of the remarkable men of his day and generation. 
When standing erect he was about seven feet in height, and being rather 
spare in figure did not impress one as being well proportioned. His hands 
and feet were large, as well as his mouth, which was seldom untenanted by 
a chew of his favorite tobacco. He was so long limbed that when astride 
of a mustang or mule, his feet nearly reached to the ground (within six 
inches) rendering it necessary for him to attach his spurs to the calves of 
his boots instead of to his heels. From having to stoop so much when 
entering or leaving doors of ordinary dimensions, his form was somewhat 
bent and it seemed necessary for him not to stand upright, m order the 
more conveniently to carry on conversation with his fellow-men. In tem- 
perament he was .sanguine and impulsive, in disposition kind and con- 
siderate but quite determined to have his own way, in judgment rather 
erratic and disinclined to accept the counsel or advice of others, feeling 
convinced that he knew better than th^'. Some illustrations of these char- 
acteristics may possibly appear in the course of this narrative. 

It is related of him that a few weeks after his marriage, business called 



152 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

him to Monterey. Crossing the Straits with his horse on the open scow 
ferry-boat, he left directions with the ferrrjTnan to be on the lookout for 
his return. After wending his way through San Ramon Valley, San Jose 
and Salinas, to his destination, in the course of two or three weeks he was 
back again to where Martinez now stands, but the boat was on the Benicia 
side, and all the signals he could make failed to induce Captain Davis to 
venture out against the strong head wind that was blowing, and the Doc- 
tor had to sleep on the ground in his blankets. This state of things con- 
tinued for two days, and on the third the patience and endurance of the 
Doctor having been tried to the utmost, he considered that something must 
be done to enable him to reach home. He could not swim, and even if he 
could, a swim of two or three miles was a hazardous undertaking, so he 
finally managed to secure two or three pieces of scantling and a plank, 
with which by the aid of his riata he improvised a raft, on which with a 
fair wind and tide he set out astride, pushing himself along as best he 
could. An hour or two later he was discovered by some of the friends on 
shore, who did not know what to make of the singular looking object ar- 
rayed in a bright colored serapa, and holding aloft a signal violently wav- 
ving. A boat was immediately manned and sent to his relief, and great was 
the surprise and joy of the men when they found they had rescued the fore- 
most man of the village. His objurgations on account of the apparent neglect 
to which he had been subjected were rather more emphatic and vehement than 
classic or polite, but good humor was soon restored, congratulations ex- 
tended, jokes cracked, and the Doctor's health drank in something stronger 
than ivater. In fact the Doctor had water enough in getting across. They 
got up a yam that he was wading across, which made him mad. 

A year or two later, the doctor had his scow ferry boat worked by horse- 
power, having fortunately come into possession of two such machines, for 
which there was no other use. 

Four years latter, when Capt. O. C. Coffin put on the steam ferry boat 
" Ion," which coidd go against wind and tide, the Dr. was heard to apostro- 
phise steam, and sing in praise of Fulton, who had first succeeded in 
harnessing it to such use. 

Hitherto the immigration into California has been attracted by the fact 
that it was a new country, just coming under the jurisdiction of the United 
States and likely soon to become a part of its territory. It was kno-mi to 
have some characteristics of climate peculiarly its own, on the whole rather 
pleasant, and it apparently oflered the opportunity for that free and easy 
out-door life so fascinating to frontiersmen. To the vivid imagination, the 
land of the setting sun was some degrees nearer paradise than any in the 
same latitude on the continent, an|| doubtless it would gradually have 
developed into an ordinarily prosperous and inviting country. But what 
might have been is not in order to discuss. The turning point in its destiny 
had now been reached. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 153 

Simultaneously with the signing of the treaty at Guadalupe Hildalgo, in 
February, 1848, occurred that wonderful discovery near Sutter's Mill at 
Coloma. which soon afterward electrified the nation, set the whole world in 
motion, and has since been the means of adding a thousand millions to the 
gold and silver treasures of the earth. It was a month or two before the 
incredulity of Califomians could be overcome, and their belief in the reality 
of the discovery assured. 

Early in April, the men of Benicia who usually congregated at Von 
Pfister's rendezvous, were sitting there discussing the future prospects of 
the country under its new ownership, and the conversation turned upon 
coal mines, and the great advantage that would result from their discovery, 
which was much hoped for. They little di'eamed that within 25 miles of 
them, among the foot-hills near Mt. Diablo, the " Black Diamond " mines 
were awaiting the prying eyes of the prospector. During the conversation, 
a man named Bennett, who had been engaged with John W. Marshall, at 
Coloma, in building a mill for Gen'l Sutter, and who was on his way to 
Monterey, listened quietly for some time, and finally said that something 
better than a coal mine had been discovered where he had been at work, 
something which was believed to be gold, and General Sutter had paid his 
expenses to Monterey to see Gen'l Mason, and have some specimens that he 
had with him tested, no acid being obtainable at Sutter's Fort. He then 
displayed about four ounces in small pieces such as had been discovered 
when the water was first applied to turn the mill. Of course this display 
produced a profound impression, and much difference of opinion was ex- 
pressed. Dr. Semple declaring that he would give more for a good coal mine 
than all the gold mines that were likely to be discovered. 

Bennett went on his journey, and had not been gone more than 5 or 6 
days when a number of Mormons came along with quantities of the shining 
dust, fully convinced it was gold. Sam Brannan, who had been up to 
Sutter's Mill to learn the truth of the gold discovery, stopped at Benicia on 
his return to the Bay, said to Von Pfister : " Come, Von, break up here and 
go in copartnership with me, and we will establish a business near this new 
gold mine." Von Pfister did so, put all his goods on Dr. Semple's ferry boat, 
hoisted a sail, made the trip to Sacramento (then known as the " embarca- 
dero "), and in due time arrived at Coloma. On the return of the feriy 
boat to Martinez after an absence of two weeks, there were 40 or 50 wagons 
waiting to cross the straits on their way to the new El Dorado. 

Von Pfister continued in business with Brannan until October, when he 
sold out to another partner of Brannan's at Sutter's Fort, named Stout 
being moved thereto by grief at the loss of his brother who had just arrived 
from Honolulu, and who was inhumanly murdered by an entire stranger on 
the night of his arrival, before Von Pfister, who was temporarily absent 
had the opportunitj^ of seeing him. The murderer fled, and Von Pfister 



154 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

pursued, but after an unavailing search of nearly a year he finally gave up 
the chase and retui-ned to Benicia, where for the last quarter of a century 
he has constantly resided ; sometimes filling offices of honor if not of profit. 

On the night of Sam Brannan's arrival at Benecia a high tide had drifted 
Dr. Somple's ferry boat some 200 or 300 yards upon the tide, and leaving 
her high and not exactly dry, and disappointing our friend Tustin, who 
being engaged getting out lumber for Thos. O. Larkin, was anxious to get 
back to the redwoods, which he had temporarily left for a day or two to 
look after his family at Benicia. So he built him a raft of tule reeds some 
6 or 8 feet long, making it about 2 feet wide, and a foot thick, on which he 
proposed to make the crossing. His friends remonstrated with him and tried 
to dissuade him from going, but to no purpose. Go he would, and so with 
an old shirt for a sail, and a high wind blowing, he set out. The tide took 
him down about two miles to Dillon's point, then it turned, drifting him the 
other way, and by the aid of the wind, notwithstanding his frail bark after 
getting saturated, bent double under his weight, he finally got across and 
landed in a mud flat, where he met a man who wanted to cross over to 
Benicia, and who asked him if he might have his raft. He told him yes, 
but doubted if it would be of much use to him. However the gift was 
accepted and the man had a very hard time getting over, for the tide took 
him some distance up Suisun bay, and it was a day or two before he was 
rescued, in a forlorn and nearly starved condition. Friend Tustin (now a 
successful windmill builder in San Francisco) has since attained to alder- 
manic proportions, quite unsuited to the repetition of his rash experiment. 

The natural efiect upon Benicia, of this gold discovery and excitement, 
was to draw away from it its male population, leaving some twelve or 
fifteen families of women and children only. In common with all other 
settlements near the bay and the sea, it was neglected for the superior 
attractions offered by the gold placei's. Towards the end of the year, Dr. 
Semple realizing that the fame of the gold discovery had now gone abroad 
over the whole earth an i foreseeing that there would be a great immigration 
into the State, mostly of course by sea, and that sooner than he had antici- 
pated his opportunity to found and establish an important commercial city 
would be presented, Ijegan to cast about for the means and appliances to 
aid him in realizing his dream. During the winter of 1848-9 he became 
acquainted with Bethuol Phelps, with whom he made a bargain for the 
erection of the needed improvements. 

As a further step in the way of progress, he formed a copartnership with 
Wm. Robinson, John S. Bradford, and L. B. Mizncr, under the firm name of 
Semple, Robinson & Co., for the transaction of general business. This firm 
purchased the Chilian bark "Confederacion," with an assorted cargo of East 
India goods, and about the 1st of March, 1849, she sailed up to Benicia and 
was moored along side the bank to be used as a landing place in lieu of a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 155 

wharf. She was dismantled and afterwards known as the " jld hulk," and 
most of her cargo was transferred to the mines. To facilitate access to and 
from the upland, the firm laid down, across the tule, a large number of 
boxes of tobacco, the market already being so glutted with the article as to 
render it comparatively valueless. The firm were so well pleased with 
their business that within the year they built a substantial two-story ware- 
house for its accommodation, a short distance from the landing. Subse- 
quently, however, as the town began to grow and competition became 
active, the members found attractions in other vocations. Dr. Semple was 
elected delegate from Benicia to the Convention which framed the State 
Constitution, and was President of the Convention, the labors of which 
were completed on the 13th of October. Bradford was elected to the 
Senate, and served Solano county in the first session of the Legislature at 
San Jose in 1850. He subsequently returned to Illinois and became Mayor 
of Springfield. Robinson went to Shasta county and was elected County 
Judge. He afterwards joined the fortunes of Gen. Flores in South America. 
In September, '49, Mizner and S. K. Nurse started a 4-mule stage or mud- 
wagon, making tri-weekly trips from Benicia to Sacramento, connecting 
with San Francisco by sloop. This continued a month or two until the 
arrival of steamers from the East to be put on the Sacramento river, when 
they hauled oflT their stage "in double quick," as Nurse expresses it, and 
sold their mules. Nurse has lived in Denverton since 1854, and has been 
Postmaster most of the time. Mizner became a lawyer and removed to 
San Francisco, but some ten years since returned to Benicia, where he now 
resides. He was State Senator for Solano county in the session of 1871. 

Bethuel Phelps was active in the performance of his contract, and duiing 
1849-50 a large number of dwellings and stores were erected, being 
occupied before finished and ready. In fact the demand for houses was 
greater than the supply. With lumber ranging from $300 to $600 per thous- 
and, sometimes more, and carpenters' wages at $16 to $20 per day, it is not 
very surprising that complaint should have been made of slow progress in 
building. So the firm of Henry D. Cooke and Wm. M. Stewart, who were 
somehow concerned in the sale of the bark " Confederacion " and her cargo 
to Dr. Semple, became interested in Benicia, and contributed largely to its 
development. Of their agency something may be said after mentioning 
others, whose influence was brought to hear in advance of them. 

Among the pa.ssengers on the bark " Confederacion," from Saucelito to 
Benicia, were Gen. Persifer F. Smith, U. S. A., with some of his staff", and 
Mr. C. E. Wetmore and wife, who had been in San Francisco since July, 
1848. Mr. Wetmore had purchased the house heretofore mentioned as the 
first frame built for Dr. Semple, and had come with his family to settle. 
Gen. Smith was so convinced of the importance of the point that he imme- 
diately entered into negotiation with Semple, the result of which was that 



156 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

the portion of the town site bordering on Suisun bay was secured for the 
Government as a Military Reservation, on which have since been erected 
Benicia Arsenal, Benicia Barracks, magazines, hospital, Quartermaster's 
store houses, etc., and many troops have from time to time been stationed 
here. 

Com. Thomas Ap. Catesby Jones, U. S. N., had preceded Gen. Smith a 
few weeks, having taken up to Benicia the first Government vessel that 
ever entered the straits, the U. S. store ship " Southampton." In honor of 
her the shoal water space on the north side of the straits and just west of 
Benicia was called Southampton bay, and is known as such to this day. 
Special reasons, varying very much from one another, have been given for 
conferring this name. Com. Jones was enthusiastic in his admiration of 
the site — the harbor and surroundings • — and predicted that the commercial 
emporium of the coast would here be established. Being in command of 
the fleet, he had the vessels severally brought up and anchored in the 
harbor for the benefit of the fresh water. The 74-gun ship " Ohio," then 
the largest ship in the navy, the frigate " Savannah," the " Congress," the 
" Preble," the " Falmouth," the " Vandalia," and the transport " Fredonia," 
were among them. The propeller " Massachusetts " was kept moving on 
frequent trips between Benicia and San Francisco. 

After the establishment of the military post, the French ship "Julie" was 
sent up with stores and moored along side the bank near where Benicia 
Arsenal now stands. Col. Silas Casey, U. S. A., the first commander of the 
post, was quartered on board this old hulk from the 1st of May for some 
five months with his family, until quai-ters were erected for them on shore. 
The ribs of this vessel may be seen to this day at low tide, where she finally 
sunk at her moorings. Col. Casey had arrived on the ship " Iowa," com- 
manded by Capt. John Deming, and having on board Gen. Riley and staff, 
two companies of the 2d Infantry, and other troops from Monterey. Gen. 
Riley located the Arsenal. 

The very favorable opinion expressed, followed by really substantial 
movements on the part of such men as Com. Jones, Gen. Smith, Gen. Riley, 
and other Government officers, naturally had the effect of inducing a portion 
of the immigration then coming into the State to locate at Benicia. Among 
the earliest was the Rev. S. Woodbridge, by whose instrumentality a Presby- 
terian Church was organized on the 10th of April, which is claimed to have 
been the first Protestant church ever founded in California. Among its 
original members were Prof. Shepherd, Col. S. Casey, Mr. C. E. M^'etmore, 
and Mr. 0. P. Evans. Mr. Woodbridge also opened and kept a day school, 
and kept the records of the township. In August a school house was built 
which was used on Sundays for divine service, under his ministration, for 
some two years thereafter. This mode.st little building, little used of late 
years, having been superseded by more pretentious edifices, is still standing, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 157 

a monument of the foresight displayed by the founders of the town regard- 
ing the educational needs of the hoped-for rising generation. The church 
edifice, which took its place in 1851, stood for about 20 years, when it was 
taken do^vn and put to other use, the society having disbanded and its 
members scattered. Dr. Woodbridge is now pastor of a church lately built 
for and named after him in this city near the Mission Dolores. 

In April W. S. Ricker and O. P. Evans started a bakery and country 
store in the adobe that had been occupied first by Von Pfister. Ricker was 
the jovial and Evans the serious man of the firm. Profits were large, but 
their small establishment was six months afterwards overshadowed by the 
large stocks introduced by the adventurous immigrants that then began to 
flock in by way of the sea. Evans was gathered to his fathers more than 20 
years ago. Whether Ricker still survives is unknown. 

In May the large adobe building known as the California Hotel was 
erected. Capt. Von Pfister rented it at S500 per month, and kept it a year, 
when he sold out to Capt. Winn. Subsequently it was kept by Major 
Cooper, father-in-law of Dr. Semple. During a part of this time, owing to 
the great drought of 1850-51, there was a scarcity of such food as is usually 
provided at hotel tables. Col. Casey one day asked Mr. Woodbridge about 
the fare, and his reply was that they had beef and molasses for breakfast 
and molasses and beef for dinner. In those days onions were S2 per pound. 
Major Cooper is still living at Colusa, a Well preserved man, who will com- 
plete his SOth year in March next. For the last 20 years this establishment 
has been owned and occupied by Mr. John Rueger and family, and known 
as the Beijicia Brewery. 

Before Col. Casey got his family into quarters on shoi'e in the summer of 
1849, he was ordered in command of an expedition for the first exploration 
ever made for a railroad route across the Sierra Nevada. The surveying 
party, when about 70 miles from the valley of the Sacramento, in the 
mountains, were attached by the Pitt River Indians, and the Engineer 
officer in charge, Capt. Warner, was killed. This fact, connected with the 
ravages of fever and scurvy, forced a return of the party without fully 
accomplishing its object. Col. Casey lay twenty-five days in the mountains 
sick with a fever, and all but two, in a party of thirty-five, were taken 
sick. Gen. Casey is still living at a ripe old age in Brooklyn, New York, on 
the retired list. His son. Commander Casey, U. S. N., is stationed in San 
Francisco. 

In May F. W. Pettygi'ove and A. E. AVilson formed a co-partnership for 
the transaction of a general business. They built a frame hotel, which 
they called the Benicia Hou.se. They brought with them from Oregon nine 
frame buildings, which were erected in different parts of the town, and 
some stand to this day. 

On the 7th of June the writer of this sketch, with his young wife, came 



158 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

upon the scene. The women who ventured to come to California in those 
days were few in number, but courageous in spirit. We had left Baltimore 
on the last of January ; New York the loth of March ; crossed the Isthmus 
about the 2!)th ; and after a detention of seven weeks in Panama, em- 
barked on board the good steamship Panama, Cajitain Bailey, on the 
17th of May, on her first trip to San Francisco, which was accomplished 
in seventeen days, calling only at San Diego on the 1st of June. Among 
our fellow passengers were Mrs. Fremont and her daughter Lilly, Mrs. 
Alfred De Witt, Mrs. Robert Allen (now living in San Francisco, 
Hon. Wm. M. Gwinn, John B. Weller, Col. Joseph Hooker, Lieut. Derby 
(afterwards knowai as Squibob and John Phenix), John Bensley, Hall 
McAllister, F. F. Low, afterwards Governor of this State, S. W. Holladay, 
Dr. S. R. Harris, and other well known citizens that have since attained 
di.stinction. 

Having come to California at the suggestion of my brother-in-law, Mr. 
C. E. Wetmore, and on arrival finding him located at Benicia, I was in- 
duced to join him there. We formed a co-partner.ship for the transaction 
of a general business, and soon after commenced the erection of a frame 
building, 30x00 feet, for a store and warehouse none too large for the exten- 
sive stock of goods afloat for us on several vessels then on their way around 
Cape Horn, and bound for the land of gold. 

With little or no previous experience as bu.siness manager (I had thus far 
been princijjally a thorough accountant), and with others to provide for, we 
could not see the way clear to locate in San Francisco ; and as it really 
seemed an open question which place should take the precedence and 
become the commercial center, it was comparatively easy to m.ake up our 
minds to settle in the one that apparently possessed the most attractions or 
prospective merits, and so our lots were cast in Benicia. 

For ten or fifteen years I was satisfied of the correctness of this choice, 
and on every return from a temporary visit to San Francisco, or elsewhere, 
regarded Benicia as a charming and blessed place, little short of Paradise. 
Since then, however, the thought has sometimes occurred that our location 
there was a mistake ; but as that is a problem that may not be solved in 
this life, the attempt will not be made. It is useless to speculate on ' what 
might have been ;' and therefore as our living there has had its influence in 
various ways and upon others, probably the wisest conclusion is that ' it 
was all for the best.' 

Sometime in the summer of 1849, Dr. W. F. Peabody established a hos- 
pital, and soon secured a large and paying patronage from returning miners. 
After a residence of fifteen years Dr. Peabody located elsewhere, and has 
since established himself in San Francisco. [I am happy to say he is a 
member of the C. U., &c.] His former associate in the hospital, Mr. J. W. 
Jones, has remained in Benicia to this day, a well known business man, and 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 159 

prominent citizen. In July and August ships began to arrive in numbers, 
bringing adventurers, some of whom, with their stocks of goods, thought 
best to locate in Benicia. Among these were Webb, Beveridge, and Miller, 
and McConkey & Hall, with goods from Baltimore (per " Greyhound," and 
" Jane Parker "), brought upon brig " Josephine," and bark " Hebe," and J. 
Hatch & Co., who had come from Boston on the " Edward Everett." 

The ship " Leonore," which arrived in Benicia on the 8th July, brought 
the first side-wheel steamer ever built in California. It was fi-amed at the 
East, put together at Benicia, and finished about the middle of August. 
They called her the " New England," but her machinery proved to be so 
powerfully weak as to render her practically useless for a steamboat. 
During the summer three other small steamboats were built here, called re- 
spectively the " Linda," the " Edward Everett," and the " Phenix." They 
made a few trips up the Sacramento river, but their day was short, for late 
in October (the 2GtJi and 28th, if I mistake not), the propellers " Hartford," 
and " McKinn," commencing running for passengers and freight on the 
route between San Francisco and Sacramento, via Benicia. These were the 
fij-st sea-going steamers to make this trip. They were succeeded by the 
side-wheel steamer " Senator," which commenced her trips on the Sd day of 
November, charging $30 fare from San Francisco to Sacramento, and $15 
from Benicia to eitlier place. The " Senator" is said to have earned millions 
of dollars in a few years. And now, 27 years later, she is still running as a 
sea-going steamship. 

Later in November the little iron steamer " Mint " commenced making 
trips to Stockton. She was brought out on deck of ship " Samoset," in 
September. 

On his return from Monterey, where he had presided over the Constitu- 
tional Convention, in the winter of 1849-50, Dr. Semple became impressed 
with the idea that steam-boating must be a profitable business, and ac- 
cordingly he determined to build one on correct principles, that should 
astonish the natives, but all lookers on. So far as the hull was concerned, 
this was easily managed, as material was readily obtained. His favorite 
idea that her bow must be made duck-breasted, was carried into effect ; 
and when launched her appearance on the water was rather attractive. But 
it was when the machineiy was to be applied that the " true inwardness " of 
the Doctor came to the surface. Steam-engines were not so plenty in those 
days as in these, a quarter century later ; and so as two could not be had 
that were exactly alike, he obtained two of different make, one being fully 
twice as large as the other. When the absurdity of furnishing the boat 
with engines varying so greatly in power was pointed out to the Doctor, 
his genius rose equal to the occasion. He could manage that. But how ? 
asked the practical, common sense, incredulous observei*. Why, by gearing, 
of course. With cog-wheels, and other appliances, we'll gear up the one 



160 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

engine, so as to equalize its power with that of the other. In spite of re- 
monstance, argument, ridicule, and other elements of opposition, this idea 
was adhered to, and the natu'al result followed as a matter of course. On 
her first trip she was at the mercy of the current and the wind. The strono- 
engine overpowered the weaker one, giving her a forward movement in the 
direction of a gi-oat circle, the tendency being to bring her round to the 
point started from. However, by the help of the tide and other favoring 
circumstances, they managed to reach Colusa with her, for which place she 
was named. Her first trip, though, proved to be her last as a steamboat. 
The engines had to be disposed of, and she was converted into a baro-e. 
Her builder, Mr. F. P. Burch, with his family, still resides in Benicia ; and 
her engineer, Mr. R. B. Nomian, has for many years been a well known 
citizen of Sacramento. 

The last exploit of Dr. Semple's that occurs to me was his buildino- a 
house for the use of his family, with an inverted roof — so ' that what is 
usually the peak or highest part, was in this instance the lowest, and the 
roof slanted upwards towards the eaves, instead of downwards, there being 
but one eave trough, and that in the middle of the roof. What his reasons 
were for this peculiar construction may have been explained at the time, 
but are not now remembered. Some are sarcastic enough to say it was 
from motives of economy in the matter of eave trough. 

Among the many early settlers in Benicia was Capt. John Walsh, whose 
family amved from Valparaiso, in November, 1849, occupying at once the 
house he had built for them. The captain is a well known citizen, whose 
fame has gone all over those parts of the world that are vi.sited by ships. He 
is a privileged character, of whom many amusing incidents are related, 
some of which he tells at his own expense. Altliough old and infirm, beint^ 
now in his eightieth year, and bereft of kindred, who have all preceded him 
m their flight to the spirit land, he retains much of his original vivacity, 
and is generally ready to provoke a smile from any visitor by his ready 
wit. He is able to attend to his duties as Custom-house Inspector, which 
are performed satisfactorily to the Department. A favorite grandson is the 
only relative living near him, or in Califoraia. 

Dr. Semple and his associates, Larkin, Phelps, Stewart, and Cooke, did 
much to improve Benicia, and make it attractive ; and they spared no pains 
in publishing to the world its advantages, but they failed lamentably 
in the very particular most nece.ssary to make their enterprise a success. 
They placed too gi-eat a valuation upon their lots, and by demanding high 
prices drove away from them the very persons they shoufd have induced by 
liberal terms to settle and build up the town. This was unjust to those 
that had already settled, and who hoped to see others coming in and pro- 
moting its substantial growth. But so convinced was the Doctor that the 
town mvst develop into a great city, and that notliing could prevent it, that 



II 





/^y7/^ -^ 




THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 161 

nothing could prevent it, that he would listen to no suggestions on this 
head. On several occasions men wanting to buy property gave up the idea 
on account of the terms. Had each one of them been presented with a lot, 
the object of the proprietors might have been accomplished, and themselves 
rewarded by prosperity and affluence, instead of reaping the disappointment 
which followed. 

A notable instance of their fatuity occurred immediately after the great 
fire of 4th May, 1851, which destroyed the entire business portion of the 
eity of San Francisco. A large number of her influential merchants were 
so disheartened at the repeated mi.sfortunes thus befalling them that they 
were ready and anxious at ones to transfer their business to Benicia, and a 
delegation waited on its ^proprietors to see on what terms they would be 
received and provided for. The terms were too exacting ; the application 
failed, and the opportunity was lost — absolutely thrown away. The appli- 
cants were angered at their failure, and embittered against Benicia, a feeling 
which survives measurably to this day — while the bona fide settlers of 
Benicia, who would have welcomed their San Francisco brethren, were dis- 
gusted with the cupidity and bad management of its founders. 

As another illustration of events in these days, it should not be forgotten 
that Capt. Lyon, who had been sent out to punish the Indians that were 
hostile and troublesome, came very near being killed by the awkwardness 
of some of his own men, a bullet from one of them passing through his hat 
from back to front. In mentioning it to General Riley on his return, and 
exhibiting the hat, he claimed that that shot did not come from an enemy. 
The Genei'al's reply was, it certainly did not come from a friend. This 
brave officer was afterwards, during the war of the Rebellion, the lamented 
General Lyon, who fell at the battle of Lexington, Missouri, in August, 1861. 

Among the immigrants of 1849, were some old farmers from the East, to 
whom the alternation of the wet and dry seasons appeared to present in- 
superable objections to the idea of this ever being an agricultural country. 
The laws of nature to which they had been accustomed were here set at 
defiance, and their conclusion was that cultivation of the ground would be 
useless in the absence of summer showers. Yet here on these rolling and 
dry hills waved the luxurious, almost rank growth of wild oats, four or five 
feet in height. The soil being adobe, and two or three feet in thickness, 
has since nullified the opinions of these good old farmers, and still persists 
in yielding fine crops of grain, notwithstanding fifteen years of cultivation. 

In the remarkably wet winter of 1849-50, it was no easy task to walk 
on this adobe ground where traveled upon, without being in danger of 
losing a boot when drawing one's feet out of the mud, and so it came to 
pass that long rubber boots were at a premium. 

As an ofiset the following winter, that of 1850-51, to which this pi'esent 
one of 187C-77 bears a close resemblance, was correspondingly dry, and 
rubber boots proved a bad speculation. 
11 



162 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The Constitution of the State of California, which had been framed by 
the Convention at Monterey, in October, was adopted by the people at an 
election held on the 13th November, 1849, and in accordance with its pro- 
visions the first Legislature met in January, 1850, at the Pueblo de San 
Jose, the first Capital of the State. The first two cities incorporated by 
this body were Monterey and Benicia, both on the same day, the 27th of 
March, 1850. Some days afterwards, San Jose, Sacramento, Stockton and 
Los Angeles were incorporated. San Francisco followed, on the 15th day 
of April. 

Under its charter, Benicia had nine Mayors, as follows: 

Capt. James Kearny, from May 1850, to May, 1851. 

Dr. W. F. Peabody, from May, 1851, to May, 1852. 

Capt. D. M. Fraser, from May, 1852, to May, 1853. 

Capt. Alex. Riddell, from May, 1853, to May, 1854. 

Charles French, from May, 1854, to November, 1855. 

W. S. Wells, Acting from November, 1855, to May, 1856. 

J. M. Neville, from May, 1856, to May, 1857. 

T. B. Storer, from May, 1S57, to May, 1858. 

Charles Alison, from May, 1858, to May, 1859. 
The charter was amended in 1851 and 1854, and repealed in 1859, since 
which time the government of the city has been vested in a Board of 
Trustees. The city charter was found to be an expensive luxury, by means 
of which the city debt was incurred little short of $100,000 in 1859. This 
has since been' reduced, uutil at the present time an arrangement has just 
been effected by which it can all be redeemed for the sum of $0,000, and 
the taxpayers breathe freer. 

Mayors Kearny, Fraser, Riddell and French died some years since. 
Mayors Peabody, Wells, Neville and Alison are residents of San Francisco, 
and Mayor Storer lives in Virginia City. 

A. J. Bryant, who was City Marshal of Benicia in 1854, is now Mayor of 
San Francisco. 

■ At the same first session of the Legislature, Benicia was named the 
county seat of Solano county, and so continued for eight years, when it 
was superseded in 1858 by the present county seat, Fairfield. 

The first Sheriff' of the county was B. C. Whitman, afterwards Clerk of 
the Common Council, subsequently a leading lawyer in Benicia, and now an 
ex-Judge of the Supreme Court in the State of Nevada. The second Sheriff 
was Paul Shirley, who held the office several years. He now resides on the 
other side of the Straits, in Martinez, and is State Senator from Contra 
Costa county. 

The fourth session of the Legislature was held in Benicia early in 1853, 
and on the 18th of May of that year an Act was passed making it the 
permanent seat of Government, but as no appropriation was made for the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 1C3 

erection of public buildings, and the Capital in those days was notoriously 
on wheels, it was not a difficult matter at the fifth session to move it again, 
and so on the 1st day of March, 1854, the Legislature and attaches, furni- 
ture and all, left Benicia on the steamer Antelope for Sacramento, where 
the Capital has since remained with some show of permanence. This move- 
ment was brought about by a combination between the workers for Sacra- 
mento and the friends of the lamented David C. Broderick, who desired 
and expected thereby to be elected to the United States Senate, but who 
was disappointed in that expectation, although in a subsequent Legislature 
he was successful. Broderick was absent from Benicia when the vote was 
taken on the removal question, and there was no telegraphic communica- 
tion then with San Francisco. If there had been, the result probably 
would have been different. Either Broderick would have been elected 
first, or the Capital would have remained at Benicia. On such slender 
threads does the fate of communities sometimes depend. 

In those palmy days Benicia boasted among its residents, some of the 
prominent and distinguished men of the State, among whom may be men- 
tioned Judges S. C. Hastings, John Currey, S. F. Reynolds, E. W. McKinstry, 
and others, who have since been absorbed by the commercial metropolis. 

The Masonic Order made an early start in Benicia. Benicia Lodge, No. 
5, was formed in 1850. Masonic Hall was built. in 1850, and is a substan- 
tial edifice to this day. The lower floor was occupied as the Court House, 
County Clerk and Recorder's oflice until the State House was built in 1852. 
The State House became the Court House until 1859, when on account of 
the removal of the County Seat, it became the property of the Board of 
Education, and has ever since been occupied as the Public School, one of 
the most commodious and substaintial in the State, and being of brick is 
likely to last for several genei-ations. The attendance is large. 

The Odd Fellows organized somewhat later than the Masons, but have 
flourished so successfully as to possess a fine brick edifice of their own 
which affords them most desirable and satisfactory acconnnodations. They 
are known as Solano Lodge, No. 22. 

Several newspaper enterprises have from time to time been established in 
Benicia, but none of them now remain. The Benicia Gazette was published 
in 1851, by St. Clair, Pinkham & Co. A bound volume of this publication 
is in the possession of the Societj^ of California Pioneers. The Benicia 

Vedette was published by Mathewson in 1853. The Solano County 

Herald commenced its publication in November, 1855, and three years after- 
wards was moved to Suisun, where it still flourishes under the altered name of 
the Solano Republican. The " Pacific Churchman " was published here in 
1869-70, since which time it has been established in San Francisco. The 
The " Benicia Tribune" was published by R. D. Hopkins in 1872-73 ; since 
then it has been transferred to Dixon, where it still flourishes as the Dixon 



164 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Tribune. There was a Benicia Sentinel at one time, but it was a short- 
lived affair. 

In lS.50-51 when it was difficult for masters of vessels to retain their 
crews, on account of their disposition to desert to the -gold fields, and try 
their hands at digging or mining, as many as 60 or 70 ships were to be seen 
at anchor in Benicia harbor, most of them loaded with lumber, which 
became a drug in the market and w^as offered for freight and charges. 
After the -ith of May fire in San Francisco this state of the lumber market 
was remedied, and the ships gradually withdrawn. 

The P. M. S. S. Co., for whom Alfred Robinson and Geo. W. P. Bissell 
were agents, established the depot for their shop and supplies at Benicia 
early in 1850, when their fir.st wharf was built. In 1853 they increased 
the size of the wharf to its present dimensions, and put up the machinery 
shops and foundry. 

From this time on for 16 years or more the company enjoyed an era of 
unexampled prosperity, every attempt at opposition helping as much as 
hindering it. By steady accumulation and the growth of its business its 
capital was increased from year to year until in 1869 it amounted to not 
less than ten millions. In 1869 came its first encounter with its great 
competitor, the Overland Railroad. Up to this time Benicia had been 
greatly benefited by the location of the company's works, and its liberal 
disbursements. As long as the company remained at Benicia they were 
prosperous. Then came a dispositson to branch out, to water the stock and 
provide for the friends of the new management. All this was not so con- 
veniently managed while the works were located at Benicia, so it was 
determined to move everything to the city. From that time the history of 
the company shows a series of questionable managements, and a departure 
from its old prosperous ways. From being worth about $1.50 or more per 
share its stock has fallen to $20 — the present price being about $24. 
Benicians remember the periodical visits of the California, the Oregon, the 
Panama, the Tennessee, the Northener, the Golden Age, St. Louis, Sonora, 
Golden Gate, Golden City, Sacramento, John L. Stephens and others with 
regret, that the noble ships which succeed them come not in their place. 

The Marysville & Benicia R. R. Co. was incorporated in 1853, with a 
capital of $3,000,000 ; $10,000 was spent in surveys, by Wm. S. Lewis, Esq., 
as Chief Engineer, witli the celebrated Mr. Catherwood as consulting engi- 
neer. 

So strongly impressed was Mr. Catherwood of the feasibility of tliis 
scheme, tliat he went to England to present the plan there ; and with the 
aid of a brother of his, who was one of the cashiers in the Bank of England, 
he raised $1,000,000, which was one-third of the capital ; but on his return 
to this country from England, went down in the ill-fated steamer " Arctic," 
off Newfoundland, which put an end to that project, which would mater- 
ially have advanced the fortunes of Benicia. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 165 

This imperfect sketch of the " Early Times in Benicia," cannot properly 
be brought to a conclusion without a brief reference to the educational and 
religious movements of the place. To Benicia belongs the honor of having 
established the first Young Ladies' Seminary in the State, under the auspices 
of the Protestant churches. In June, 1852, the enterprise was proposed, 
and immediately enlisted the favor and hearty symyathy of many fi-iends. 
A Board of Trustees was organized, a suitable building purchased, and the 
school opened about the 1st of August, with Mrs. S. A. Lord as Principal, 
and Miss Georgia Allen, and Miss F. A. Allen, as As.sistants. The second year 
Miss J. M. Hudson became Principal, with the same Assistants. The third 
year, the school became the property of Miss Mary Atkins, whose fame as 
a teacher has since become part of the educational history of this State. 
The school became desei-vedly popular and successful ; and its graduates, 
under Miss Atkins' administration, have since taken rank in society as 
among the best educated and most cultivated women in our State. After 
twelve years spent in her high vocation. Miss Atkins sought rest ; and in 
1866, transferred the school to Rev. C. T. Mills and wife, who kept it up in 
a high state of efficiency and prosperity, until 1871, when they, having 
been induced to move to Alameda county, disposed of the school to Rev. 
Chas. H. Pope, who, during the year that he held it, made some valuable 
additions and improvements. Since 1873, the school has been under the 
management of Miss Mary Snell, who, with her sisters, and other accom- 
plished teachers, have maintained its excellent i-eputation as one of the best 
schools in the State. In October, 1871, under the auspices of the Rev. Mr. 
Pope, then Principal, a re-union of graduates and pupils was held in honor 
of the visit then paid to the institution of its former pi'oprietor, Mrs. Mary 
Atkins-Lynch, with her husband, the Hon. John Lynch, then U. S. Surveyor- 
General for the State of Louisiana, and during the past year. Centennial 
Commissioner for the same State. His duties in that capacity will detain 
him in Philadelphia until Maix-h next, after which time Mr. and Mrs. Lynch 
will take up their permanent residence in California. 

In June next, the Young Ladies' Seminary, of Benicia, will celebrate the 
25th anniversary of its foundation. Two of its original Board of Trustees 
have died — the other seven are still living, and one of them stands before 
you. 

On the 1st of January, 1853, St. Catharine's Acadamy, under the charge 
of the Roman Catholic Sistei's of St. Dominic, was established at Benicia, 
having been removed from Monterey to this, as the more eligible location. 
This school for young ladies has been uniformly well attended, and appears 
to have enjoj^ed a satisfactory degree of patronage. Everything about it 
wears an air of comfort, cheerfulness, and jjrosperity, and it enjoys an ex- 
cellent reputation. The gi'ounds are extensive and well cultivated, and the 
buildings commodious. 



166 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

In the summer of 1853, the Rev. Charles M. Blake established a hoarding 
school for boys, which a year or two afterwards passed into the hands of 
Mr. C. J. Flatt, under whose proprietorship it was kpown as the Collegiate 
Institute, connected with which some ten years later was a Law School. 

In December, 1867, Mr. Flatt disposed of the property to the Pacific 
Coast Mission, of which the Rev. Dr. Breck was the head, and the school 
then became the nucleus of what has since grown to be St. Augustine's 
College, with the history of which this audience should be somewhat famil- 
iar. The premises have been greatly enlarged and improved, affording 
accommodations for one hundred boys, which number, however, has not yet 
been secured, though the institution well deserves them. Not less than 
fifty thousand dollars have been expended upon the property, which is in a 
good state of preservation and cultivation, making it an attractive seat of 
learning. The college owns fifty acres of land within the city limits, which, 
in time, must -constitute for it a valuable domain. The whole is under the 
special supervision of Bishop Wingfield, who, with his family, has his Epis- 
copal residence on the premises. 

One of the objects of the Pacific Coast Mission was to establish a church 
school for girls. Accordingly, in June, 1870, the Rev. Dr. Breck purchased 
a block of land in the vicinity of St. Augustine College, and commenced the 
erection of the buildings for " St. Mary of the Pacific." A year or two later 
these were completed, and has ever since constituted the chief ornament of 
the town. The garden and surroundings of St. Mary's, make it an attractive 
spot. The school grew and prospered steadily under the fatherly care of Dr. 
Breck, until his untimely death, which took place on the 30th of March 
last, at which time the school was so full that the good Doctor had had it in 
contemplation to put up additional buildings, in case his health was restored. 
But it was not so to be, for our all-wise Heavenly Father was then pleased 
to take him to Himself. As a natural consequence of his death, the school 
has since fallen off some ; but is now recovering, and will doubtless soon 
enter upon a renewed career of prosperity, under the rectorship of the Rev. 
John H. Babcock, who, with his wife, have just been placed in charge of the 
establishment by Bishop Wingfield. By former experience and present in- 
clination, Mr. Babcock is well fitted for the position and its various duties. 

Reference has already been made to the Presbyterian Church, which was 
founded here in 1849, and abandoned in 1869, for want of adherents. It 
flouri.shed until 1861 — the first year of the civil war — when it began to 
decline rapidly on account of dissatisfaction in the congregation at the de- 
determined political stand taken by the pastor, who was several times a can- 
didate for office on the unpopular side. Two years before its final abandon- 
ment, it was supplanted b}' the First Congregational society, who built, and 
still possess, a very comfortable house of worship, with a parsonage at- 
tached. The bell in its tower was cast in 18.53, at the P. M. S. S. Co's. 
works, and was in use there until the works were abandoned. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 167 

The Methodists maintained an organization for a year or two, while 
Benicia was the Capital of the State ; but thereafter they withdrew from 
the field, and their insecure little building was blown down and destroyed in 
a S. E. gale which visited this part of the State, the 1st of January, 1855. 

One or two attempts were made in early times to form a Bapti.st society, 
but without success. 

The Roman Catholics founded their church of St. Dominic in 1851. It 
has always been sustained liberally by its adherents, and is apparently 
flourishing. In its tower is a large and very fine-toned bell, equal to some 
of the best in our city churches. The well-known Father Villarassa is the 
chief pastor here. A substantial, two-.story edifice, has recently been added 
to the premises, as a home for the Brothers, and a Theological School. 

The first regular service of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Benicia 
was held on Sunday the 24th of September, 1854, in the court room of the 
City Hall. Major E. D. Town.send, U. S. A., a lay reader appointed by Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Kip, read the service and a sermon. On Sunday, the 22d of 
October, the Bishop himself ofliciated, and administered the Holy Commun- 
ion. From this time the services were regularly maintained, and a chapel 
was fitted up in the Maisonic Hall early in 1855. On the 13th of February, 
1855, a parish was formed under the name of St. Paul's Pari.sh, to which 
the Bishop gave his approval on the 22d. The Vestry then organized, 
electing Paul K. Hubbs, Senior Warden ; Eugene Van Ness, Junior Warden ; 
the other Vestrymen being John Curry, Joseph Durbrow, C. W^. Hayden, J. 
Howard, and John Taylor. Some of these names must sound familiar here, 
even at this late day. Col. Van Ness and Col. Hubbs have gone to the 
eternal world. Gen. Townsend is now Adjutant-General of the United 
States at Washington, where, also, Mr. C. W. Hayden resides. Judge 
Curry and Mr. Durbrow are among the honored citizens of San Francisco. 
Among the others that have since been Wardens and Vestrymen of St. 
Paul's, may be mentioned the names of Gen. John S. Mason, U. S. A., Hon. 
E. W. McKinstry, Dr. Robert Murray, Hon. S. F. Reynolds, Capt. F. F. Flint, 
Dr. Cooledge, Col. J. McAllister. 

The first missionary to St. Paul's Church was the Rev. David F. McDon- 
ald in 1856. He had then recently been ordained deacon in San Francisco. 
He i.s now a D.D. ; rector of a church in Dardanelles, Arkansas. 

Since his time the church at Benecia has been served with more or less 
regularity by Rev. E. W. Hager, Rev. James Cameron, Rev. E. G. Ferryman, 
Rev. Dudley Chase, Rev. Henry G. Perry, and Rev. J. L. Breck, D.D. Mr. 
Cameron was rector from 1860 to 1865, and Dr. Breck from 1868 to 1876. 
Since the death of Dr. Breck, Bishop Wingfield has accepted and exercised 
the office of rector. 

A church edifice was erected in the fall of 1859, and consecrated in 
February, 1860. In 1863 it was greatly enlarged and improved by the 



168 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

addition of transepts, mainly through the liberahty and exertion of the 
Rev. James Cameron, who, at the same time, presented the church with a 
very acceptable pipe organ, that is still in use. At the same time a par- 
sonage or rectory was built and presented to the church by Col. Julian 
McAllister, now Senior Warden of the Parish. In 1873, xmder the admin- 
istration of Dr. Breck, the church was again enlarged by lengthening the 
nave, and it is now, in its interior arrangements, one of the best planned 
and most attractive churches in California. Being attended regularly by 
the pupils of St. Mary's school and St. Augustine College, and a goodly 
share of the town's people, the congregations are generally large and the 
services full of interest, being participated in very heartily. It is quite 
refreshing to one accustomed to the low murmur of our city congregations 
to listen to the outspoken responses characteristic of this wide-awake 



There are many other topics that might properly have been introduced 
into this sketch and have proven, perhaps, more interesting than those 
actually touched upon, such as the history of militar-y officers and their 
operations at the arsenal; the barracks and the Quartermaster's department; 
the pleasant character of the society that for so many years, during Benicia's 
palmy days, became a distinguishing feature in its history ; the visit of 
Com. Perry's squadron in 18.54, after its voyage around the world and its 
brilliant achievement in causing the ports of Japan to be opened to our 
commerce ; the many attempts at railroad building that have from time to 
time been unsuccessfully made and the hopes still entertained of success in 
the near future ; the many fires that have destroyed once valuable property; 
the founding and maintenance of manufacturing establishments for cement, 
leather, flour, etc., as well as personal reference to many friends, once resi- 
dents, now scattered all over California and other parts of the United 
States; but it is already too long, and this task must be considered com- 
pleted. 

It has cost much time, application, research, labor, and self-denial, but if 
it shall have afforded entertainment, instruction, and food for thought to 
you who have so courteously bestowed upon it your attention, it will not 
be in vain that the sacrifice has been made." 



With reference to the Deed mentioned in the foregoing lecture of Mr 
Gray, the tenor of it is in a few words : Five miles of land in the Suscol 
estate was ceded, transferred, and bestowed, freely and spontaneously to 
Don Thomas O. Larkin and Don Robert Semple, and their heirs and success- 
ors, by General Vallejo, as per measurement made by Don Jasper O'Farrell: 
" Beginning at a stone marked ' R. S.' and running N. 76 degrees W. to a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 169 

corner or angle five English miles'; from thence in the direction S. 14 
degrees W. to an angle one mile, a little more or less ; thence following the 
sinuosities of the bay, of the straits to the place where the measurement 
commenced, which, altogether, makes an extent of five English miles ; fol- 
lowing the turn of the bay, the sinuosities of the land, according to the 
measurement of plan above referred to." To this gift were attached the 
under-mentioned provisions : " First. — The grantees were to bind them- 
selves to found a city to be named Francesca or Benicia, and to divide the 
land into lots to be disposed of by sale, and establish feny boats on the 
Staits of Carquinez. Second. — As soon as the city should contain one 
hundred families a magistrate or municipal authority shall be named. The 
ferry boats, together with the landing places, shall belong to the town, and 
their products used for the establishment of public schools. Third. — Until 
such hundred families are established the ferry boats and landings to belong 
to Robert Semple." The deed was executed on May 19, 1847, before Lilburn 
W. Boggs, Alcalde of the District of Sonoma. 

This transaction afterwards proved invalid, the General, it was held, not 
having a good title to the lands of Suscol ; therefore a new form was gone 
through to establish the claim of Messrs. Semple and Larkin. Pursuant to 
an Act of the Legislature of the State of California, entitled "An Act to settle 
the title of lands in the town and city of Benicia, in the county of Solano, 
approved February 20, 1866," and in accordance with an Act of Congress, 
entitled " An Act to quiet the title to certain lands within the corporate 
limits of the city of Benicia and the town of Santa Cruz, in the State of 
California, approved July 23, 1866," notice was given to claimants to file 
their respective claims for lots and parcels of land. 

An Act to incorporate the city of Benicia was passed April 24, 1851, 
bounding the site thus : " And that tract of land lying on the north side of 
the Straits of Carquinez, as surveyed by Benjamin W. Bai'low, Esq., late 
City Surveyor, and designated by his map now on file in the ofiice of the 
Clerk of Solano county, the southern boundary shall extend to the middle 
of the channel of the Straits of Carquinez." Following this the city was 
divided into two wards. Article two of the Act provides for the election of 
city officers ; article three apportioned their duties and powers ; article four, 
their compensation ; article five, the establishment of Recorder's and Jus- 
tice's Courts. Supplementary to the foregoing, was passed on April 13, 
18.54, an Act incorporating the city and granting additional powers to the 
Council ; while the water front was ceded to the corporation by Act of the 
Legislature approved May 3, 185.5. 

After the survey of the site in 1847 it was laid out in streets and squares, 
there being twenty lots retained for public uses, besides the City Hall lot and 
two half blocks for parks, etc. From its .start until April 18, 1859, the city 
was governed by a Mayor and Corporation, when on that date an Act to 



170 THE HISTORY OF SOI.ANO TOTTXTY. 

repeal the several Acts incorporating the city of Benicia, was approved, and 
placed the town under the government o^ Trustees, who were to be elected 
to serve, thus : The party receiving the highest number of votes was 
chosen for three years, the second, for two, and the third for one year ; and 
each following year, one Trustee should be elected for three years. A list of 
the Mayors has been already given, let us now present one of the Trustees '■ 
Those called upon to serve during the first term were George H. Riddell' 
three years, May, 1859 ; John J. Barry, two years ; C. W. Hayden, one year, 
Thereafter there ensued a yearly election for a term of three years : 1860 — 
C. W. Hayden, G. H. Riddell, J. J. Barry. 1861- -S. C. Gray,b. W. Hayden, 
G. H. Riddell. 1862— T. B. Storer, S. C. Gray, C. W. Hayden. 1863— E. Dan- 
forth, T. B. Storer, S. C. Gray. 1864— S. C. Gray, E. Danforth, T. B. Storer 
(resigned), 0. B. Houghton, (elected). 1865— C. B. Houghton, S. C. Gray,' 
E. lianforth, (resigned), J. Hatch, (elected). 1866— E. H. Von Pfister, C. B. 
Houghton, S. C. Gray. 1867— J. F. Swain, E. H. Von Pfister, C. B. Hough- 
ton. 1868— C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain, E. H. Von Pfister. 1869— E. H. 
Von Pfister, C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain. 1870— J. F. Swain, E. H. Von 
Pfi.ster, C. B. Houghton. 1871— C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain, E. H. Von 
Pfister. 1872— James Flannery, C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain. 1873— 
John J. Barry, James Flannery, C. B. Houghton. 1874 — C B. Houghton, 
J. J. Barry, James Flannery. 1875 — J. R. Brown, C. B. Houghton, J. J- 
Barry. 1876— J. J. Barry, J. R. Brown, C. B. Houghton. 1877— C. B' 
Houghton, J. J. Barry, J. R. Brown. 1878— D. N. Hastings, C. B. Hough- 
ton, John J. Barry. 1879 — James Barry, D. N. Hastings, C. B. Houghton. 
The office of City Clerk was filled by the following gentlemen: 1850-51 — 
B. D. Hyam and John B. Dow. 1851-54— B. C. Whitman. 1854-56— 
David F. Beveridge. 1856-57— E. H. Von Pfister. 1857-59— J. W. Kin- 
loch. Since the election of Trustees one of their number has officiated as 
Clerk until 1878. The City Assessors were : 1850-51 — Stephen Cooper. 
1851-53 — Singleton Vaughn. 1853-54 — H. P. Amnions. 1854-55 — H. 
Norton. 1855-56— J. W. Kinloch. 1856-58— Peter Wright. 1858-59— 
H. Norton. From this year up until 1877, inclusive, the county officials 
assessed, collected, and disbursed the funds. In 1877 E. H. Von Pfister was 
elected to the office, a position which he still retains. The City Marishals 
have been: 1850 — John S. Brown. 1851 — Beebe Robinson. 1852-53 — 
A. H. Estell. 1854-55— A. J. Bryant. 1856— D. F. Beveridge. 1^57-58- 
Luke Bond. From this period until the year 1872 the city was without a 
Marshal; in that year Jeremiah O'Donnell was appointed. In 1873 he again 
held the office. 1874— Patrick McNally. 1875-77— A. J. Glover, and 
1878-79 — F. P. Weinmann. The City Treasurers have been during that 
period, respectively : Messrs. D. F. Beveridge, Edward Crocker, R. M. 
HoUaday, John J. Barry, with a long interregnum wherein the County 
Treasurer performed the duties for the city, when, in 1877, the present 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO f'OUNTY. 171 

incumbent, John Reuger, was chosen to fill the office. Space will not per- 
mit of our entering more fully into the names of the other officers who 
served Benicia, indeed it has been an arduous task, the tracing these we 
have enumerated. Suffice it to say that among the City Attorneys we find 
such well-known names as Leslie and Wells ; while her Surveyors were 
Barlow, Patton, and De Hemmecourt. ■ 

Mention has, in a general way, been made of the schools of Benicia.. We 
will now present the reader with a slight sketch of two of the principal 
seats of learning in the city : 

The Young Ladies' Seminary. — This school was established in 1852, 
and was managed by a Board of Trustees for two years and a half. The 
following named gentlemen served on the Board : Hon. S. Bynam, Hon. S. 
Cooper, Capt. D. M. Fraser, S. C. Gray, B. W. Mudge, Dr. W. F. Peabody, 
Capt. J. Walsh, C. E. Wetmore, Rev. S. Woodbridge, E. Crocker, J. W. Jones, 
D. N. Hastings. 

During the latter part of 1854, Miss Mary Atkins became the Principal of 
the school ; but in January, 1855, the proprietorship and sole management 
passed into her hands. 

For nine years she labored successfully to bring the institution up to the 
highest standard, and when, in 1864, she was compelled to take a season of 
rest, she rented the Seminary to Miss Lammond, it then having about one 
hundred and fifty pupils, and an unequaled reputation for giving thorough 
training and a solid education. 

Within a year Miss Atkins returned to her school, and found so few 
pupils that much of the work of building up had to be done once more. By 
untiring energy she re-established it, and it took, again, its place as the first- 
class school of the State. 

In 1865, worn by years of unceasing labor. Miss Atkins retired from 
teaching. She sold the Seminary to Dr. and Mrs. C. T. Mills. They faith- 
fully labored to maintain the high position of the institution, and had six 
years of uninterrupted success. In 1871 they removed from Benicia to 
Seminary Park, Alameda county, where they had erected large and well- 
adapted school buildings. 

Rev. Charles H. Pope then took charge of the Benicia Seminary, a trust 
which he faithfully administered for three years, when he removed from 
the State, and the school came under the principaLship of Miss Snell. 

In the spring of 1878 Miss Snell organized a school in Oakland, and Miss 
Atkins, after years of pleasant wandering, full of rich experience, has come 
back to the old roof-tree. 

The following address was delivered by the Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge, 
D.D., of San Francisco, on October 11th, 1878, at a re-union of former 
pupils, held for the purpose of organizing a society to perpetuate the history 



172 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of the school, as well as making a presentation to Mrs. Atkins-Lynch on 
her return to Benicia : 

" Memory and Hope are two angels that with golden chains bind the past 
to the future. We cannot afford to lose either. Without the former, our 
identity of being would cease, our treasures be lost, our responsibility be 
overwhelmed in the cold waves of oblivion. Without the latter, the future 
could have no encouragement, nor could we press forward and upward to 
success, reward, and the crown of glory. 



We cannot live over the past. We M'ould not if we could. What once 
was vivid in its freshness and novelty would now seem cold and effete. 
The pleasures that once stirred the pulses to impetuous rebound, would 
cause them to thrill no more. The pains, then half neutralized by the daily 
stimulus of duty and zeal, would cling wnth iron grasp to us till we sank 
down exhausted. 

But when we relegate the past to Memory's bright domain, the sweep of 
hei' magic wand spreads enchantment over the scene. The pains become 
but the foil and the background which serve to set off the successes and the 
joys, and bring them out in more brilliant colors. There we see the fields 
of usefulness, where the precious harvests were reaped ; thei-e the forms of 
beauty that ' are a joy forever ; ' there were awakened the friendships, 
whose light will endure beyond the shining sun. 

THE BENICIA YOUNG LADIES' SEMINARY. 

Radiant in the history of this State of California, lighted up by the glory 
of past years of success and great usefulness, stands this distinguished 
institution of learning. It began when innumerable and apparently insur- 
mountable obstacles stood in the way of success. But the need of its 
establishment, and the pressure of what they esteemed to be duty, rested 
upon those who felt called upon to engage in the enterprise. Therefore they 
manfully undertook the task, girded themselves for the arduous duty, made 
the great and needful sacrifices of money, time and toil, and in the year 
18.52, the Seminary was launched forth on the perilous seas of California's 
fluctuating fortunes. Often was the institution near bankruptcy and de- 
struction. But a kind Providence still and ever interposed, and in nothing 
moi-e decidedly than when that eminent teacher to whom to-night we render 
the just honor which is her due, took charge of the Seminary. 

THE PREVIOUS TEACHERS. 

We would diminish nothing from the re.spect due to the principals and 
teachers who had charge of this institution during the earliest years of its 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 173 

existence. Mr.s. Wells, assisted by an able corps of teachers, took charge at 
the inception of the work, and toiled faithfully and successfully. Then 
Mrs. Nevins, whom we are pleased to see present to honor this occasion, and 
who labored unweariedly at her task. But the difficulties, chiefly pecuniary, 
and the burden of carrying the institution when there were so few young 
ladies yet in the State, and so small a proportion of that number seeking a 
liberal education, was calculated to paralyze the energies of the pati'ons of 
the institution. 

MRS. MARY ATKINS-LYNCH. 

At the hour of utmost discouragement, Miss Atkins (that was, and she 
will allow me to recall the name which is so fragrant in our memories) 
became principal of the Seminary. She took upon herself with daring zeal 
all the responsibilities of its management and pecuniary liabilities. She 
became by purchase the owner of the buildings and other property, and 
boldly went forth to meet the dangers of the way. 

Let no one suppose them to have been small. What perils were encoun- 
tered ; what lonely hours of weakness, weariness and discouragement were 
passed ; what tears flowed, and saddened prayers were oft'ered, and pangs of 
disappointment were suffeied before the sunlight rose, God only perfectly 
knows. It is well that the memory, or at least the vividness of the memory 
is hidden in the sombre shadows of the night of the past. 

Then the Seminary began to rise befoie our people in all its excellence. 
Miss Atkins' high repute spread abroad. As fast as her means would allow, 
she surrounded herself with teachers of superior excellence. Classes of 
young ladies from the best families in the State gathered in these halls, 
The successful -examinations, the fine exhibitions of talent at the Commence- 
ment exercises, the eclat given by the learning, refinement and superiority 
of the graduated pupils, placed the Benicia Young Ladies' Seminary in the 
front rank with the best institutions in America. 

Aird the credit of this is due to Miss Atkins. Her pupils have made 
their mai'k in the world, and speak for themselves. They are among the 
most distinguished women in this State for all that makes women, pre-emi- 
nent in intelligence, position and piety. On this platform I see one lady, 
(Mrs. Kincaid,) a graduate of this institution, who has made teaching her 
profession. She is one of the most distinguished and successful teachers in 
the Girls' High School in San Francisco. Everywhere in the families, the 
neighborhoods, the schools, the cities of our State, have the instructions 
and influence of Mi.ss Atkins left an impression, deep, broad and abiding. 

Nor is that influence confined to us. Many of the bright pupils who once 
lent radiance to these scenes, have left the dark earth, guided by that 
divine faith which led their steps up the heavenly way. The earliest and 
foremost of the graduates (Mrs. Walsh Ferguson) thus departed in the hope 



174 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of glory. Others have followed her. But last week there was one in San 
Francisco (Miss Mary Dollarhide) who hoped to have been present on this 
occasion. But this very week we have been called to follow all of her that 
was mortal to the house appointed for all living. But it is believed by 
many that the dead are sometimes permitted to revisit the earth, and 
though unseen by us, pa,ss through our midst and rejoice in our joy. It is 
in speaking of the faithful dead that the Scriptui'es say: ' Seeing therefore 
that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses I ' The beautiful 
dead who have gone up from us may return to hail and applaud our con- 
tinued zeal and efforts for good. 



The Word of God forbids us to dwell amid the former scenes ' Forgetting 
the things that are past, press toward the mark for the prize ' which God 
from on high is calling to us to attain, Mr. Moody's favorite song is one that 
it behooves us all to sing : 

' More to follow, always more to follow ! ' 

It is consumate folly always to be dawdling over what might have been. 
The past is gone. Nothing can recall it. The present and the future, un- 
der God, are ours. 

It was a most noble suggestion to bring back to this school the person who 
at an early day made it so famous. She comes indeed under better auspices 
than before. She is no longer alone, but with her much esteemed and 
honored husband (Mr. Lynch) she brings accumulated force and courage to 
her grand task. It seems to us that there is almost everything to encourage 
and hope for in this renewed undertaking. Certainly the field is very 
different from what it was formerly. Schools for young ladies, distinguished 
for the character of the teachers and their elegant adornings, are numerous. 
The public schools are aiming at the most thorough training of their pupils. 
But this Seminary, under the experienced, skillful and kindly direction of 
Mrs. Lynch, need not fear to enter into competition with any or all of them. 
Her reputation goes before her, and is known of all. The many superior 
ladies, graduates of this school, who adorn California society, are her stand- 
ing advertisement. 

We tender to the citizens of Benicia our hearty congratulations for the 
great acquisition to this Young Ladies' Seminary of its eminent former 
principal, and to Mr. and Mrs. Lynch our best wishes and prayers that they 
may secure the triumphant success they justly deserve." 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 175 

OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT AND INSTRUCTION FOR 1879-80 ARE 

Mary Atkins Lynch, FrincijMl ; Martha Hathaway, Latin, Litera- 
ture, History and Geograj^hy ; Francis C. Bauman, Mathematics ; Anne C. 
Craig, Natural History, Elocution and Drawing ; A. Roger, French ; 
Josephine Abele, French, German and Piano ; F. Corbaz, Piano ; Susie 
I. Morgan, Singing ; Harrie H. Riddell, Painting ; Eliza E. Crocker, 
Matron ; Laura Lamme White, Assistant Matron and Teacfier of Setuing. 

The College of St. Augustine — ^Was founded A. D. 1867, and in- 
corporated in 1868. It is under the Rectorship of the Rt. Rev. J. H. D. 
Wingfield, D.D., LL. D., and is governed by a Board of Trustees and a 
Board of Instructors ; is located at Benicia, California. The buildings oc- 
cupy an elevated site and command an extensive view of the Straits of 
Carquinez and the beautiful hills beyond, with Mount Diablo on the left 
and San Pablo Bay on the right. The grounds are sixty acres in extent, a 
portion of which is tastefully laid out and decorated wdth flowers, orna- 
mental trees and shrubberry. Having been erected expressly for Academical 
purposes, the buildings are strictly adapted to the needs of the students, 
being commodious and inviting, well ventilated and heated. In the 
domestic arrangements eveiy care is taken to unite the culture and comforts 
of a Christian home with the strict discipline of a school. Attention is paid 
to the personal habits and manners of the Cadets. They sleep in single al- 
coves, in dormitories, under the charge of Teachers and Military Officers. 
The Teachei's and Cadets meet as one family in a commodious Dining Hall, 
and attend Divine Service daily in the College Chapel. 

It is designed in this Institution to combine with moral and mental 
education a thorough course of Military instruction, consisting of daily ex- 
ercise in Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery Tactics, in which every Cadet is 
required to participate. In all the routine of duties, each Cadet is subject 
to a system of regulations, designed to make him prompt, systematic, and 
gentleman-like. This Military Discipline, by its thoroughness and impar- 
tiality, is eminently fitted to perfect the physical man, and to give habits of 
quick obedience, order, politeness and manliness. 

The spacious parade-ground affords a superior and attractive place for 
drill and physical recreation, while a large building, erected for the 
Eulexian Literary and Dramatic Society, and for an Armory, with Gym- 
nasium attached, furnishes the Cadet with unusual advantages of in-door 
exercises. 

In the work of instruction, the Rector is aided by a Corjis of Experienced 
and Competent Professors and Teachers, who devote their time exclusively 
to the business of the College. 

Each Instructor has been selected because of his peculiar fitness for the 
Department to which he is assigned, and is held responsible for the faithful 



176 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

discharge of his duty to his classes. In order to satisfy himself of the 
proper advancement of all Cadets, the Rector frequently examines the 
respective classes. 

The College Session consists of Two Terms of Twenty Weeks each. 

Trinity Term begins on the Thursday after the 28th of July, and closes 
on the Thui'sday next before the 23d of December. After a vacation of 
four weeks, the easter term begins on the second Thursday in January, 
and closes on the Thursday next after the first Wednesday in June. 

Punctual attendance on the first day of the term is imperative. To insure 
high standing, the Cadet must answer at the- roll-call at 7 o'clock on the 
evening of the opening day. No alcoves are reserved, the first on the 
ground has the first choice in the Dormitory to which he may be assigned. 

Every Cadet, on his arrival, shall immediately report himself to the 
Rector, the Commandant of the Corps, and the First Sergeant. 

No furloughs are granted after entrance. Patrons are urged not to ask 
permission for Cadets to leave the College for any cause. Under no cir- 
cumstances can any Cadet be received for less than a term. He is expected 
to remain at least one Session of two terms, during which period his whole 
time and energies are required. New Cadets will be admitted at any time ; 
and, after the first month will be charged from date of entrance to the end 
of the term. 

No visitors are welcome on the Lord's Day. 

There are, besides these two Academies, the School under the Catholic 
clergy, and the College of St. Mary. 

While on the subject of schools, we would here draw attention to what 
has been done for the education of the yonng of the county in the past 
thirty years. 

If there is one man more than another to whom praise is due for the 
present educational prosperity of the State, and therefore of Solano county, 
in which he was especially interested, that man is the late Hon. Paul K. 
Hubbs. From the first arrival of this accomplished-statesman in California, 
he strove manfully and ardently to systematize its educational interests. 
He served for a long time as the head of that especial department in the 
State Legislature, and it is worthy of note that during his tenure of that 
responsible office, in three years, the number of schools in the State in- 
creased from twenty to three hundred and sixteen, while the attendance 
rose from three thousand three hundred and fourteen to twenty-six 
thousand one hundred and sixty. This was more than twenty years ago; 
what are the school .statistics of the county at present ! 

On the 30th of June, 1878, the number of first grade schools in Solano 
county were twenty-six ; second grade, thirty-eight ; and third, seventeen. 
Of these one school-house is built of brick — that at Benicia, formerly the 



9 I 




jL^'M^/<^^<^/ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 177 

State Capitol, and fifty-two of wood, while four new school-houses have 
been erected in the last year. These schools are taught by eighty-one 
teachers, of whom fifty are females and thirty-one males, the former having 
an average monthly salary of $63.52, and the latter $91.16 ; eighteen of 
these preceptors hold life certificates. In the year ending, as per above 
date, two schools were maintained less than six months, twenty-four for 
more than six and less than eight, while twenty-one were continued for 
eight months and over. Within that period fifteen certificates were 
granted to male, and thirteen to female teachers, and twenty applicants 
rejected, while there were twenty-three certificates renewed. Five students 
from Solano were at that date attending the State Normal School, and in 
regard to the county's division there are forty-eight districts, three of 
them being fractional, and in one of these the school-house is situated 
without the limits of the county. The rate of county school-tax levied 
to October, 1877, was 25 per 100. County assessment roll of taxable 
property for 1877, $9,022,101 ; amount received from county taxes, $23,- 
157 59; amount received fi'om poll-tax, $3,771 85; cash drawn from un- 
apportioned County Fund for Board of Examination, $244 55 ; cash drawn 
from unapportioned County Fund for postage, stationeiy, etc., $25. The 
value of the school lots, houses and furniture to that date was $98,600 ; 
cash in hand in various districts on June 30, 1878, $16,809 67 ; received 
from State Apportionment School Fund, $36,119 89 ; from County Appor- 
tionment in total, $28,355 55 ; from City and District Taxes, $4,212 47, 
and from miscellaneous sources, $945. Teachers' salaries have been paid to 
the amount of $49,443 92 ; fuel, rent, etc., $9,151 08 ; libraries, $1,397 61 ; 
apparatus and other necessaries, $138 10, and sit^s, furniture, etc., 
$9,675 43. Thus it is seen to what vast proportions the educational in- 
terests of one county may spring in what is not quite half a life-time. 

Secret Societies, Associations, Etc. — All cities, how small they may 
be, have each their lodge, brotherhood or guild; as is natural, Benicia is not 
without such representation ; indeed she would appear to have been one of 
the first to whom was extended the right hand of brotherly love. 

Benicia Lodge No. 3, F. and A. M. — Has a history of rare mark. On 
June 5, 1849, certain Master Masons received from the Grand Lodge of 
Louisiana, permission to congregate into a Traveling Lodge, to be held in 
California. A Lodge, under this Dispensation, was opened by L. A. Besan- 
9on, one of the original number, who appointed D. B. Hyam, W. M.; James 
H. Saunders, S. W.; and L. B. Mizner, J. W., the officers in the original Dis- 
pensation of that rank, being permanently absent. The fii'st meeting of the 
Lodge was held and ofiicers appointed, on March 6th, 1850. On application, 
a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of California ; on the 26th of 
12 



178 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

November, of the same year, the first officers appointed, being D. B. Hyam, 
W. M.; L. B. MizneT, S. W.; and Alexander Riddell, J. W. The number of 
members on the roll are now about forty-five ; while the officers for the 
current year are : W. M., George Poor ; S. W., Murdoch McAj-thur ; J. W., 
Louis Weinmann ; Treasurer, John Reuger ; Secretary, Charles Spalding ; 
S. D., William R. Campbell ; J. D., John Mounce ; Marshall, F. P. Wein- 
mann ; Stewards, F. D. Blake, and Edwin Esty ; and Tyler, T. Sage. The 
Trustees are : R. Westerby, T. McKay, and V. Newmark. It meets on the 
Wednesday of, or preceding, the full moon ; and we are happy to say that 
this old institution flourishes, it having a cash-balance on hand, as well as 
owning the hall wherein the craft meet, and the lot on which it has been 
erected. 

Benicia Chapter Wo. 7, R. A. M. — This Chapter received its Charter 
on May 1, 1855; the members applying, and whose names appear on the 
parchment, being Charles French, John L. Sanbom, Thomas Farmer, Wil- 
liam McGuffick, Thomas Bro-«Tilee, Henry Hook, B. Robinson, J. C. Stone, 
R. N. Woode, H. Wheeler, John Tucker, and Sydney Maupin. The first 
officers who served after the institution of the Chapter, wei'e : John L. 
Sanborn, High Priest ; Charles French, King ; and Thomas Farmer, Scribe. 
The present office-holders are : High Priest, Timothy Sage ; King, Thomas 
McKay ; Scribe, Murdoch McArthui' ; Treasurer, John Reuger ; Secretary, 
Charles Spalding; Captain of Host, George Poor; Prin. Sojourner, Wm. 
R. Campbell ; Roy. Ai'ch. Captain, L. B. Mizner ; Master, 3rd. Vail, E. 
H. Von Pfister ; Master of 2nd Vail, Joseph Green Johnson ; Master of 1st 
Vail, Archibald McDonald ; Guard, Robert Steuart. Past High Priest, 
Timothy Sage. The members on the roll at present are twenty-three in 
number ; while they meet on the Tuesday of, or preceding, the full moon. 

Solano Lodge, No. 32, I. 0. 0. F. — This, another of California's first 
organized Lodges, was instituted by Right Worshipful Grand Master, S. H. 
Parker, on April 8, 1854, having, for its Charter members, George H. Rid- 
dell, Paul Shirlej', Charles W. Hayden, George Leviston, and John S. Brown. 
The first officers who served, were : George Leviston, N. G.; Paul Shirley, 
V. G.; C. W. Hayden, Secy.; and T. B. Storer, Treas., who, on being installed, 
at once held a meeting, and conferred degrees upon several applicants. The 
number on the muster-roll of the Lodge now, is sixty-two ; while the officers 
in the difierent chairs, are; N. G., Dr. V. Newmark; V. G., (vacant) ; Sec- 
retary, Charles Spalding ; Treasurer, S. J. Filer ; W. Warden, WilJaim 
Fox ; Conductor, H. A. Booth ; 0. G., William Kuhland ; I. G., A. P. Whit- 
man ; R. S. to N. G., D. E. Roberts ; L. S. to N. G., John Binnington ; R. S- 
to V. G., Daniel Cameron ; L. S. to V. G., Joseph Roskilly ; R. S. S., Fred. 
Fried ; L S. S., George Roskilly. Trustees, J. R. Brown, A. P. Whitman, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 179 

William Kuhland. This Lodge owns its hall wherein the brethren meet ; 
and we are happy to announce that it was never in so properous a condit- 
ion as it is to-day. Meetings every Monday evening. 

Industries. — Without doubt the industries of Benicia are centred in its 
tanneries, of which thei-e are three of extensive proportions in operation, 
giving employment to nearly three hundred men. The day has gone, when 
in the workshops of this, then thought to be the rising city of the Pacific 
coast, the noise and bustle of manufacture was heard. The works of the 
Mail Company, which used to pay out as much as $60,000 per month in 
wages alone, have long ago been abandoned ; and Mr. Westerby, the present 
proprietor, who has lately acquired the property, is now hunting the tule 
for old chains, for many years hid by mud and rushes. Ditches have ceased 
to be dug, or streets to be graded ; and but for its tanneries, this fair city, 
which once had such fair prospects, would be a city of the dead indeed. 

The Pioneer Tannery. — This establishment, as its name signifies, was 
the first tannerry started in Benicia. About eleven years ago, J. R. Brown 
and Thomas McKay decided to try the experiment of running a tanneiy 
at this place. They started in with four tan vats, and only a few hundred 
dollars in money, but with a whole fortune of pluck. By hard work, 
superior skill, and close attention to business, they made the enterprise 
a success from the start, when failure was prophesied from all quarters ; 
and now the Pioneer tannery is one of the most important in the State. 
It has a reputation that extends to Boston. The buildings and yards 
occupy between four and five acres of ground. They have two currying 
shops that are 35x45 feet in size ; a beam house that is 75 feet long 
by forty wide ; a .splendid wharf, with a building on it, 75 feet long 
and two stories high, that is used as a warehouse, drying-room, and 
bark-shed. They have other buildings, consisting of numerous bark- 
sheds, bark-mill, engine house, boarding house, etc. The machinery of the 
establishment is run by a 15-horse power engine. They have here all the 
latest improved machineiy, consisting of a glassing jack, roller, slicking-off 
machine, etc. Some idea of the amount of capital required to run this 
place may be formed from the fact that they have on hand between eight 
and ten thousand dollars' worth of tan bark alone. Some thirty men find 
steady employment here. The tannery is producing now six hundred sides 
per week. The manufactures of this establishment consists principally of 
sole, harness, buff, shoe and polish leather. Mr. Alexander Chishohn, shortly 
after the tannery was started, was taken in as a partner, and in July last, 
he and Mr. McKay bought out Mr. Brown's interest, and the tannery is now 
owned and run by McKay & Chisholm, who were both almost raised tan- 
ners. They give their personal supervision to the mechanical department, 
which may in part account for the success of the institution. 



180 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The Benicia Tannery. — Some five years after the starting of the 
Pioneer, Mr. Eobert Stewart started a tannery near it. After a year 
or two's proprietorship, he was succeeded by Messrs. Moore & Cummings. 
The new fii'm had hardly got in good working order, when the whole 
establishment, in a few short hours, was destroyed by fire. This was a 
severe blow to the young men composing the firm ; but Mr. E. Dan- 
forth, an old resident of Benicia, having confidence in their business 
qualifications, skill and enterprise, furnished them means to build and 
conduct the tannery now owned and run by them at the foot of First 
street. The establishment occupies two acres of land for its buildings, 
yards and sheds. The currying shop is 40x60 feet, and three stories 
high, connected with which are drying-rooms, bark-mill, beam-house, etc., 
nearly 200 feet in length. Near this building is an immense bark shed, 
which holds between five and six hundred cords of bark — worth §10,000 — 
which is laid in every fall to carry over to the next season. They have also 
warehouse room for storing leather and material used in the manufacturing. 
They make eighteen diflerent kinds of leather here. They have between 
thirty and forty hands, and have between fifteen and twenty thousand dol- 
lars invested in stock all the time. Their monthly pay-roll for wages 
amounts to about $2,000. They manufacture about 3,000 sides per month. 
Mr. Chas. Moore attends to the business department, and Mr. Frank Cum- 
mings to the mechanical department. The latter gentleman is a manufact- 
urer of some twenty years' experience in the Eastern States, where he 
acquired a thorough and practical knowledge of making all the finer grades 
of leather ; such as glove kid, Russia, pebble gcJat, shoe, bufi" and leather for 
hand satchels or bags. To him for the skill, and to Messrs. Brown & 
McKay for the enterprise, is the State indebted for adding these to the 
wealth of California manufactures. The manufacture of the hand-bag 
leather has led to the establishment of a manufactory of those articles in 
San Francisco, and Messrs. Moore & Cummings have the orders for the 
leather. Mr. Cummings, when he arrived in California, went to nearly 
every tannery and sought to introduce the manufacture of these fancy 
leathers, and especially buff leather, which was at that time extensively 
shipped to this State. His eSbrts were fruitless until he met with Messrs. 
Brown & McKay, who were clear-headed enough to see the advantage and 
profit of making that leather in California, and had the pluck to run the 
risk of the experiment. The result was all that Cummings claimed, and all 
Brown & McKay expected. It soon gave to Benicia the reputation of being 
the hub of the tannery interest of the State. The Benicia tannery has a 
large amount of its leather made up into boots and shoes in San Francisco, 
and they intend that as soon as it can be accomplished, to have that manu- 
facturing done in Benicia. The difierent varieties of leather manufactured 
at this tannery were displayed at the Mechanic's Fair in a very attractive 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 181 

manner, and was examined by a large number of experts who pronounced 
the display in the highest degree creditable to the exhibitors. The manag- 
ers of the institution awarded them the Grand Medal for the finest display 
in their line of goods. On the 1st of January next there will be a change 
in the firm's name, the new firm will be composed of Mr. C. J. Moore, F. 
Cummings, and Mr. E. P. Danforth, who will own equal interests. Success 
to them. 

Brown's Tannery. — Mr. J. R. Brown some months previous to selling out 
his interest in the Pioneer Tannery had started a small tannery near the old 
establishment on his own responsibibity and after settling up with his old 
partners immediately went to work to put his small establishment on an equal 
footing with his neighbors in facility and capacity. He erected new buildings, 
I3ut in a steam engine, bought more land, and soon had an establishment that 
was creditable to Mr. Brown's enterprise and a substantial addition to the 
manufacturing interests of Benicia. The main building is 100x30 feet in 
size with three floors. A short distance from it is the bark mill, also a beam 
hou.^e. Mr. Brown gives employment to some twenty hands, and is now 
manufacturing from 75 to 100 sides per day. Dan. Chisholm, a practical 
tanner of great experience, is the foreman. The production of this tannery 
is principally sole, harness and light leather. The machinery of the estab- 
lishment is run by a fifteen horse-power engine and the steam is furnished 
by a thirty horse-power boiler. Both were built by J. L. Heald, of Vallejo. 
The engine is a beautiful piece of mechanism. About one-half of the pro- 
duction of the tannery is bought from the city tanneries partly tanned and 
is finished here. Since the 1st inst. he has increased the size of his beam 
house, and has a force of carpenters at work increasing the number of his 
vats. Mr. Brown is not only an enterprising and successful tanner, but is a 
most valuable citizen. He is at present one of the City Trustees, and ever 
on hand to give his personal aid and time to assist any project of public 
character or enterprise of benefit to Benica. 

Pacific Cement Company — P. Martin, proprietor and manager, was estab- 
lished in 1864 and is situated on blocks 35 and 36 in the city of Benicia. 
The establishment is comprised in seven buildings, viz.: Kiln-house, mill- 
house and warehouses, with cooper's shops, etc. The machinery used is 
worked by a steam engine of twenty horse-power, with a capacity of turn- 
ing out 140 barrels of cement a day. The material used is obtained from 
within a circuit of six miles ; it is easily procured and of the first order, 
the quality of the cement, when mixed, being assei'ted to be equal to that 
of the best Rosendale. There is a capacity for the employment of fifty 
men on the works, while every facility for shij)ment, in regard to wharves 
and warehouses, are to be found on the premises. The company owns a 
schooner of its own which plies between the works and San Francisco. 



182 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Benicia Breivery. — The Benicia Brewery stands on lot sixteen, block 
twenty, and is the adobe building erected by Major Stephen Cooper in 1847, 
and used first by him and after by Von Pfister as the California Hotel. In 
the month of August, 1855, the structure was purchased by John Reuger 
who started a brewery, a portion of the materials and machinery being 
brought by him from Marysville where he had previously engaged in the 
business. The structure has, since its abobe days, been considerably im- 
proved by brick and wooden additions, making now a main building 62x46 
feet of two and one-half stories, with necessary cellars. The front portion 
of the first floor consists of six rooms, used as a saloon and for dwelling 
purposes, the second floor has five sleeping rooms, and the third is the air 
drying-room for malt. Besides these there are in other buildings, the malt 
house, the granary, brewing room and beer cellars. On the floor above the 
brewing room is a beer kettle of fifteen barrels capacity, a crushing mill 
for malt, and the beer cooler. Mr. Reuger's establishment is one well 
worthy a visit, while his business, we are informed, considering the times 
is fairly prosperous. 

Hotels. — The old original hotels mentioned in these pages have long 
since made way for others, but with no marked success, it is to be presumed 
in legard to the number of guests or the returns to their tills ; mayhap the 
railroad may do some good ; if it should, time will tell. To-day the hotel 
proprietors would not seem to be reaping a golden harvest ; in olden days 
affairs were different in the matter of houses of entertainment. In 1849, 
when Capt. Von Pfister was proprietor of the California House, he paid his 
cook $150 a month, two stewards $125 each, a dishwasher 165, a house- 
keeper and bar-tender $100 each, while with a rental of $500 per mensem, 
he cleared, for eleven months, a free sum of $1,000 for each month. In 
1852, Tom Maguire, the present lessee and manager of Baldwin's Theatre 
in San Francisco, arrived in Benicia and built a gorgeous " gin mill " near 
where the Solano Hotel now stands, indeed the place is now the barber's 
shop. This saloon was at the time the finest in the State ; two large bars 
were kept constantly at work, while the attractiveness of the establishment 
was materially enhanced by the presence of a noble band of music — these 
were the days of reckless squanderings and riotous living. 

Solano Hotel — Is the principal hostelry in the city where the traveler 
will receive every attention to his wants, and be courteously treated by the 
host, F. P. Weinmann. The building was owned and carried on as a hotel 
by his father before him, and to-day the establishment receives most of the 
patronage which comes to Benicia. 

It is now in contemplation to change the present route of the overland 
train, bringing it from Sacramento by way of Suisun and Benicia, thence 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 183 

crossing the straits of Carquinez to the line now running to Martinez and 
Oakland. Large ferry slips are being built Tor this purpose, but it will be 
some months ere the works are completed. 

In conclusion we will draw attention to Benicia as a place for manufactures. 

We have before this alluded in general terms to the advantages which 
Benicia possesses, and pointed out several classes of such enterprises to which 
it presents exceptional facilities. The list of these can be easily extended. 

We do not know of a town in the State which offers a better location for 
a box manufactory than Benicia. Boxes can, in the first place, be made 
cheaper here than in San Francisco, the present great center of the business. 
The lumber can be brought here directly from the Coast mills and as 
cheaply as to San Francisco, and the ground for the establishment can be 
bought or leased a great deal chea{)er. This later is no small item. Box 
manufactories require a great deal of extra ground to hold their stpck of 
lumber and furnish a place for seasoning it. There is one box manufactory 
in San Francisco the value of grounds alone is worth, if our memory serves 
rightly, over a hundred thousand dollars. This represents an extra amount 
of capital which its business requires, and in reality increases the expenses 
of the building by about one thousand dollars a month or whatever the 
interest on the valuation may be. 

Now as to the market. Benicia is right at the door of as good a local 
market, at least for some classes of boxes, as there is in the State. For 
fruit boxes the demand in this section is immense. There are the orchards 
and vineyards of Napa county, of Green Valley, Pleasant Valley, and in 
fact of the whole of Solano county — an area embracing one of the most 
abundant fruit producing sections of the State. All this section could be 
supplied to advantage from a Benicia factory. Last and by no means least 
are the immense and prolific orchards of the Sacramento river, but a step as 
it were from our city. Here is a supply of fruit requiring three or four fruit 
steamers to carry it to market ; and the product rapidly increasing. This 
section promises to be one vast orchard before many years, as to supply 
almost the State with some kinds of fruit. A Benicia manufactory ought 
to be able from its position to meet at least a large share of the box con- 
sumption required in this immense business. 

A sketch of the newspapers that have been published in Benicia has been 
given elsewhere. At the present time there exists The Neio Era — which 
was first printed on December 22, 1877, edited and published by F. A- 
Leach, manager of the Vallejo Chronicle Publishing Co. On January 12, 
1878, Mr. E. A. McDonell was admitted a partner in the concern, and on 
May 22, 1879, owing to ill-health Mr. Leach withdrew from the firm dis- 
posing of his interest to Mr. McDonell, his partner. The Era has a circula- 
tion of about seven hundred, while most of the " old timers " who now reside 
in other jjai'ts of the United States are on the subscription list. We wish, 
prosperity to the pleasant sheet and its pleasant and kind editor and proprietor 



184 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY, 



VALLEJO. 



To General Mariana Guadalupe Vallejo belongs the honor of selecting the 
spot on which the city which bears his name now stands. The Suscol 
ranch had been granted to him by the Mexican Government, and in it was 
comprised what is now Vallejo city. As far back as 1837, then what may 
be considered the dark ages of the Pacific coast, the district had no resident 
save the aboriginal Indians, the herds of "undomesticated cattle and horses, 
the beasts of prey, and the fowls of the air. Wild oats grew in every valley 
and on every hill-toj). Trees of any size were few and far between. The 
rivers and bays teemed with fishes ; while game, both large and small, of 
every kind found shelter in the nooks and crevices of the caiions. In that 
year, or, perhaps, the following, the General undertook a pilgrimage to 
these fair leagues of his from Sonoma — a town which he had already laid 
out by direction of the Commander-in-Chief — accompanied by his youthful 
bride ; both were full of promise, high in spirits and exultant in a.spirations ; 
the journey was an arduous one for the fair Senora, but made as comfort- 
able as circumstances would permit, as might be expected for the wife of 
a heroic soldier. Seated in her chair-saddle (the precursor of those of a 
later date), she passed through mile upon mile and acre after acre of her 
husband's possessions, looking with satisfaction upon a territory worthy, in 
her eyes, of so great a hero. Her retinue were silent with wonder at what 
they saw, and conversed in whispers ; while the proud owner of so fair a 
domain, with head erect and eagle eye, pointed out the more prominent 
land-marks. Coming in view of a hill, which he named the Balcony, about 
six miles north of the present city, they rode to its summit and called a halt 
to enjoy the ravishing prospect, and here the General, after the manner of 
De Foe's hero, inferred : 

" I am monarch of all I survey, 

My right, there is none to dispute ; 
From the centre all round to the sea, 
I'm lord of the fowl and the brute." 

Resuming their voyage of discovery they arrived on the site where the 
Capitol was afterwards built, and ascended the knoll ; from this vantage 
ground could be viewed the undulating wastes promising a rare fertility, 
the sloping hills, the level shore, the Carquinez straits and the bay with its 
many inlets and well protected harbor, and from this height, almost in the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 185 

spirit of prophecy he declared that here should he found a city, a city 
which would not only hand down his name to posterity with honor, but 
make a name for itself in the annals of the world — he not only foreshadowed 
the line of railway which now stretches its giant arms across this vast 
American continent, but he also told of how ships of every flag would 
peacefully ride upon the placid bosom of her bays, and how every nation 
under the blue canopy of heaven should join in the busy whirl of business 
and this future city of his become the vast emporium of trade on the Pacific 
Coast, and the half-way house of commerce between Europe and Asia. To 
this the lady listened with bated breath and answered that she feared he 
was too visionary and far ahead of the times ; he may have replied thus, if 
not in so many words, assuredly he did so in spiiit — mark my words ! what 
I have to-day spoken shall come true. I feel a spirit within which tells me 
that this Hacienda of mine shall be the neuclus of a vast State, of which I 
shall be Governor. It shall be bounded on one side by the Isthmus of 
Panama, the northern sea shall only check its limits on the other hand, 
while the Rocky mountains, high though they be. shall only encourage me 
to surmount them, so that my Province may be widened ! ! ! 'Twas from 
this spot that the SeSora Vallejo cast longing eyes upon the fertile slopes 
of Mare Island, at the time expressing an implied wish that it was hers, 
when her magnanimous liege spoke forth " it is yours," and thereafter it 
was looked upon and known as her own private property. 

For twelve years after the above described journey General Vallejo ruled 
his miniature kingdom of some 90,000 acres. The Aborigines were a happy 
and pastoral race, knowing no guile and living in a state of nature, they 
had quietly acknowledged the superior influence of the mighty mind and 
paternal government of their white chief, who had never hurt their feelings 
or ridiculed their prejudices. The Christian religion was expounded to 
them by missionaries capable of undertaking so high a labor while with 
filial obedience they looked to the General as their protector. He built an 
adobe house on the Suscol fresh water creek, about eleven miles from the 
sea, where he established Solano, the chief of the Suisun tribe, and former 
lords of the soil, and after his death, one of his eleven wives found shelter 
for years under the roof of this large hearted man. The following interest- 
ing remarks are taken from the Vallejo directory of 1870. "The toilet of 
the women was more pretentious (than that of the males), consisting only 
of a scanty apron of fancy skins or feathers, extending to the knees. Those 
of them who were unmarried wore also a bracelet around the ankle or arm 
near the shoulder. This ornament was generally made of bone or fancy 
wood. Polygamy was a recognized institution. Chiefs generally possessed 
eleven wives, sub-chiefs nine, and ordinary warriors two or more according 
to their wealth or property. But Indian-like they would fight among 
themselves long before the Spaniards came, and bloody fights they often 



186 THE HISTORY OF SOI.ANO COUNTY. 

were. Their weapons were bows and arrows, clubs and spears, with which 
they were very adroit. They had also a kind of helmet make of skins. In 
times of peace they kept up the martial spirit by sham fights or touraa- 
ments. Their women participated in their battles not as actual belligerents 
but as a sanitary brigade ; they followed their warriors and supplied them 
with provisions and attended them when wounded, carrying their pappooses 
on their backs at the same time. These Indians believed in a future exis- 
tence and an all powerful Great Spirit. But they likewise believed in a 
Cucusuy, or Mischief-maker, who took delight in their annoyance, and to 
him and his agent they attributed all their sickness and other misfortunes." 

It may not be out of place to relate the following legend : When the 
Spaniards were crossing the moimtain called Bolgones, where an Indian 
spirit was supposed to dwell, having a cave for his haunt, he was disturbed 
by the approach of the soldiers, and, emerging from the gloom, arrayed in 
all his feathers and war paint, with very little else by way of costume, 
motioned to them to depart, threatening, by gesticulation, to weave a spell 
around them ; but the sturdy warriors were not to be thus easily awed. 
They beckoned him to approach ; this invitation, however, the wizard 
declined, when one of the men secured him with his lasso to see if he were 
" goblin damn'd " or ordinary mortal. Even now he would not speak, but 
continued his mumblings, when an extra tug caused him to shout and pray 
to be released. On the relation of this, the Indians pointed to Bolgones, 
calling it the mountain of the Cucusuy, which the Spaniards translated into 
Monte Diablo. Hence the name of the mountain, which is the meridian of 
scientific exploration in California. 

The first authentic record of a carriage to be found is that in which Gen- 
eral Vallejo's family traveled from Sonoma to Benicia in the year 1848. 
The undertaking was a difficult one enough. The country was innocent of 
roads or bridges, so that when a creek was gained the horses were unyoked 
and forded over, while the vehicle was lifted bodily and carried to the 
opposite side. This may be called the first streak of daylight in the hith- 
erto darkness of locomotion on this part of the coast. About this period 
would-be settlers first made their appearance, and, after viewing the country, 
returned to whence they came. In the following year, with the discovery 
of gold, people from every quarter of the habitable globe flocked to Cali- 
fornia, which was admitted into the United States of America. The 
position of this hitherto unpopulated spot was brought prominently forth. 
Government Surveyors commenced operations, and towards its latter end 
the settlement of the city may be said to have commenced. No accurate 
data can be procured of what transpired in the first settlement of the city, 
or who were the very first families to locate here ; but this is beyond dispute, 
that in the spring of 18-i0, the name of Vallejo was given to the city out of 
compliment to that gentleman, who had worked so indefatigably in its behalf. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 187 

with what result will be hereafter shown. It had been decided that the Capi- 
tal should be removed from San Jose hither — a decision which was carried 
by an almost unanimous vote of the people — therefore the State House was 
finished toward the end of that year, and, to celebrate the event, the follow- 
ing card of invitation was issued for a grand re-union in the State building. 
There being few of these now extant, while, from the eminence since gained 
by many of the managers, this historical card — historical alike to Califoraia 
as a State and Vallejo as a city — has been deemed worthy of being repio- 
duced in its entirety : 

" A grand Christmas ball will be given at Vallejo, on the evening of the 
25th instant, in the Senate and Assembly Chambers of the new State 
Capitol, on which occasion the Hon. Isaac E. Holmes will address the 
ladies and gentlemen at 7| o'clock. 

M , the pleasure of your company is respectfully 

requested." 

managers. 

Hon. Isaac E. Holmes ; Gen. P. A. Morse ; Hon. T. Butler King ; Hon. L. 
M. Boggs ; Hon. William Smith ; Hon. Martin Cook ; Hon. Robert Hop- 
kins ; Hon. Daniel Fisk ; Hon. E. Heydenfelt ; Hon. B. F. Keene ; Hon. 
Geo. Walton ; Hon. James Walsh ; Hon. Wm. H. Lyons ; Hon. J. C. Fre- 
mont ; Hon. P. W. Keyser ; Hon. Jas. Hudspeth ; Hon. James Law ; Hon. 
G. D. Hall ; Hon. A. J. Cost ; Hon. N. Smith ; Hon. Jas. F. Graham ; Hon. 
Jas. F. Burt ; Hon. J. B. Weller ; Hon. T. J. Henley ; Gen. M. G. Vallejo ; 
Gen. D. F. Douglass ; Gen. John E. Addison, Gen. A. M. Winn ; Gen. S. M. 
Miles ; Gen. D. P. Baldwin ; Gen. Richardson ; Gen. Thomas J. Green ; Gen. 
A. McDowell ; Gen. G. F. Rains ; Majors P. B. Reading ; S. Cooper ; George 
Wyatt ; Loring, U. S. A. ; E. H. Fitzgerald ; N. Davis, U. S. A. ; Wm. Mc- 
Dauiel ; Robt. Allen ; F. A. Sawyer ; Colonel J. Hooker, U. S. A. ;' Gens. J 
M. Estell, and S. A. Booker ; Captains Folsom, U. S. A. ; John A. Sutter ; H 
Riddell ; J. B. Frisbie ; Steel, U. S. A. ; Doct. Dyerlie, U. S. A. ; Lieut. G, 
Page,U. S. A. ; Captains J.Watkins, P. M. S.Co. ; Randall, P. M. S. Co. ; Totten^ 
P. M. S. Co.; Walsh, P. M. S. Co. ; Cols. John C. Hays ; William Smith ; H 
Clay Mudd ; J. B. Starr ; Captains C. Hyatt ; George Yount ; Sam Graham 
Wm. McMickle ; E. Barry ; J. W. Hulbert ; S. Smith ; Thomas Hunt : Col, 
R. Rust ; Harvey Sparks, E,sq. ; H. Lee, Esq. ; Hon. J. C. Win.ston ; F. C 
Ewer, Esq. ; Judge M. Lewis ; L. P. Walker, Esq. ; M. T. McLeland, Esq. 
Judge Stark ; Judge Kilbourn ; M. Combs, Esq. ; Wm. Baldridge, Esq. 
George M. Cornwell, Esq. ; J. D. Bristol, Esq. ; J. S. Cripps, Esq. ; J. 
Farrell, Esq. ; E. L. Stetson, Esq.; F. Vassault, Esq.; J. E. Lawrence, Esq. 
L. B. Mizner, Esq. ; T. J. Harnes, Esq. ; S. Barnum, Esq. ; James Cooper^ 
Esq. ; L. Q. Wilbur, Esq. ; E. F. Willison, Esq. ; John Nugent, Esq. 
Samuel Martin, Esq. ; Col. John R. Boyd ; Dr. Robert Semple ; Dr. Morse 



188 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

B. F. Osborne, Esq. ; Capt. F. Marryatt ; Capt. W. A. Howard, U. S. R. S. 
George N. Shaw, Esq. ; Dr. P. C. Pope ; Cols. J. C. Johnson ; A. M. Latham 

C. K. Fish; Stewart Perry; Dr. Pickering; Dr. Nicholas Parr; Hon. P 
Tompkins ; Major John Caperton ; Col. J. Long ; E. C. Kemble, Esq. ; F 
Argenti, Esq.; Charles R. Strode, Esq.; Richard Maupin; Dr. Levi 
Frisbie ; S. C. Massett, Esq. ; Major Bumey ; Dr. Ai-chibald Tennant 
Richard Barry, Esq. ; J. L. L. F. Warren, Esq. ; T. K. Batelle, Esq. ; Col 
Gregory Yale ; E. G. Austin, Esq. ; F. R. Loomis, Esq. ; W. F. Kelsey, Esq. 

E. M. Hayes, Esq. ; L. D. Slamm, U. S. N. ; Capts., U. S. N. : Aug. Case ; J 
Alden ; S. R. Knox ; G. W. Hammersly ; Lieuts., U. S. N. : T. H. Stevens ; L 
Maynard ; T. B. King, Jr., Esq. ; Wm. H. Davis, Esq. ; Hon. S. E. Wood- 
worth ; R. H. Tfvylor, Esq. ; Capts. A. Bartol, Douglass Ottinger, U.|S. R. S. ; 
Col. Geo. McDougal ; Capts. W. D. M. Howard, C. G. ; N. H. Wise ; Henry 

F. Joseph, Esq. ; J. H. Redington, Esq. ; Dr. Hitchcock, U. S. A.; Hon. H. 
Fitzsimmons ; James Hubbard, Esq. ; Theodore Payne, Esq. ; Wm. H. Tal- 
mage, Esq. ; Dr. H. M. Gray ; Hon. P. A. Morse ; Charles L. Case, E.sq., and 
Joseph C. Palmer, Esq. On the reverse side of the card the names of the 
committees were printed, as under : 

Red Rose. 



COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. 



Captain John Fi isbie ; Major Robert Allen ; Gen. T. J. Green ; Capt. 
Edward Barry; Major Wyatt; C. H. Veeder, Esq.; F. Argenti, Esq. ; H. 
Clay Mudd, Esq. 

Blue Rose. 



COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION. 



Hon. Isaac E. Holmes ; Hon. John B. Weller ; T. Butler King ; Capt. J. 
Alden, U. S. N. ; Col. J. Hooker, U. S. A. ; Hon. B. F. Keene ; Major F. A. 
Sawyer ; Capt. G. W. Hammersley, U. S. N. ; Col. E. J. C. Kewen ; Hon. 
Tod Robinson. 

White Rose. 



BALL-ROOM COMMITTEE. 



For Senate Chamber — Gen. S. M. Miles ; Gen. J. E. Addison ; Col. Hervey 
Sparks ; Levi D. Slamm, U. S. N. For Assembly Room — Dr. Dierly, U. S. 
N. ; Capt. F. Marryatt ; Dr. L. Frisbie, and E. L. Stetson, E.sq. 

Thus by a ball of the most magnificent proportions was Vallejo inaugur- 
ated as the seat of Government. 

Let us now consider the establishment of the State offices, the erection of 
the Capitol, its removal, its return, and then its final exit from Vallejo. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 189 

In the year 1850 General Vallejo, who had previously been elected to the 
Convention called to frame a State Constitution, became convinced that the 
capital of California should be established at a place which he desired to 
name Eureka, but which his colleagues, out of compliment to himself, sug- 
gested should be called Vallejo. To this end the General addressed a mem- 
orial to the Senate, wherein he graphically pointed out the advantages pos- 
sessed by the proposed site over other places which claimed the honor, 
dated April the 3d, 1850. In this remarkable document, remarkable alike 
for its generosity of purpose as for its marvelous foresight, he proposed to 
grant twenty acres to the State, free of cost, for a State Capitol and grounds, 
and one hundred and thirty-six acres more for other State buildings, to be 
apportioned in the following manner : 

Ten acres for the Governor's house and grounds. 

Fives acres for the offices of Treasurer, Comptroller, Secretary of State, 
Surveyor-General, and Attorney-General, should the Commissioners 
determine that their offices should not be in the Capitol building. 

One acre to State Library and Translator's office, should it be deter- 
mined to separate them from the State House building. 

Twenty acres for an Orphan Asylum. 

Ten acres for a Male Charity Hospital. 

Ten acres for a Female Charity Hospital. 

Four acres for an Asylum for the Blind. 

Four acres for a Deaf and Dumb Asylum. 

Twenty acres for a Lunatic Asylum. 

Eight acres for four Common Schools. 

Twenty acres for a State University. 

Four acres for a State Botanical Garden ; and 

Twenty acres for a State Penitentiary. 

But with a munificence casting this already long list of grants into the 
shade, he further proposed to donate and pay over to the State, within two 
years after the acceptance of these propositions, the gigantic sum of three 
hundred and seventy thousand dollars, to be apportioned as under : 

For the building of a State Capitol $125,000 

For furnishing the same 10,000 

For building of the Governor's house 10,000 

For the furnishing the same 5,000 

For a State Library and Translator's office 5,000 

For a State Library 5,000 

For the building of the offices of the Secretary of 
State, Comptroller, Attorney-General, Surveyor- 
General, and Treasurer, should the Commissioners 



190 ' THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

deem it proper to separate them from the State 

House 20,000 

For the building of an Orphan Asylum 20,000 

For the building of a Female Charity Hospital 20,000 

For the building of a Male Charity Hospital 20,000 

For the building of an Asylum for the Blind 20,000 

For the building of a Deaf and Dumb Asylum 20,000 

For the building of a State University 20,000 

For University Library 5,000 

For scientific apparatus therefor 5,000 

For chemical laboratory therefor 3,000 

For a mineral cabinet therefor 3,000 

For the building of four Common School edifices .... 10,000 

For purchasing books for same 1,000 

For the building of a Lunatic Asylum 20,000 

For a State Penitentiary 20,000 

For a State Botanical Collection 3,000 

In his memorial, the General states with much lucidness his reasons for 
claiming the proud position for the spot suggested as the proper site for the 
State Capitol. Remark the singleness of purpose with which he bases 
these claims : " Your memoi'ialist, with this simple proposition " (namely, 
that in the event of the Government declining to accept his terms it should 
be put to the popular vote at the general election held in November of that 
year), " might stop here, did he not believe that his duty as a citizen of 
California required him to say thus much in addition — that he believes the 
location indicated is the most suitable for a permanent seat of government 
for the great State of California, for the following reasons : That it is the 
true centre of the State, the true centre of commerce, the true centre of 
population, and the true centre of travel ; that, while the Bay of San Fran- 
cisco is acknowledged to be the first on the earth, in point of extent and 
navigable capacities, already, throughout the length and breadth of the 
wide World, it is acknowledged to be the very centre between Asiatic and 
European commerce. The largest ship that sails upon the broad sea can, 
within three hours, anchor at the wharves of the place which your memo- 
rialist proposes as your permanent seat of government. From this point, 
by steam navigation, there is a greater aggregate of mineral wealth, within 
eight hours steaming, than exists in the Union besides ; from this point the 
great north and south rivers — San Joaquin and Sacramento — cut the State 
longitudinally through the centre, fringing the immense gold deposits on 
the one hand, and untold mercury and other mineral resources on the other; 
from this point steam navigation extends along the Pacific coast south to 
San Diego and north to the Oregon line, affording the quickest possible 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 191 

facilites for our sea-coast population to reach the State Capital in the fewest 
number of hours. This age, as it has been truly remarked, has merged 
distance into time. In the operations of commerce and the intercourse of 
mankind, to measure miles by the rod, is a piece of vandalism of a by-gone 
age ; and that point which can be approached from all parts of the State, 
in the fewest number of hours and at the cheapest cost, is the truest centre. 

" The location which your memorialist proposes as the permanent Seat of 
Government is certainly that point. 

" Your memorialist most respectfully submits to your honorable body, 
whether there is not a ground of even still higher nationality ; it is this : 
that at present, throughout the wide extent of our sister Atlantic States, 
but one sentiment seems to possess the entire people, and that is, to build, 
in the shortest possible time, a railroad from the Mississippi to the Bay of 
San Francisco, where its western terminus may meet a three weeks' 
steamer from China. Indeed, such is the overwhelming public sentiment 
of the American people upon this subject, there is but little doubt to ap- 
prehend of its early completion. Shall it be said, then, while the world 
is coveting our possession of what all acknowledge to be the half-way house 
of the earth's commerce — the great Bay of San Francisco — that the people 
of the rich possession are so unmindful of its value as not to ornament hei' 
magnificent shores with a Capital worthy of a great State ? 

" To enumerate more especially the local advantages of this position your 
memorialist will further add, that it is within two hours' steaming of San 
Francisco, and six hours from Sacramento and Stockton cities, and between 
these points much the largest travel in the State daily occurs. From this 
point three days' steaming will reach either Oregon on the north, or San 
Diego on the south ; besides, the above named location is unsurpassed for 
abundance of lime and other building materials, with large agricultural ad- 
vantages in the immediate neighborhood." 

Upon receipt of General Vallejo's memorial by the Senate, a committee 
composed of members who possessed a thorough knowledge of the country 
comprised in the above mentioned document, both geographical and topo- 
graphical, were directed tp report for the information of the President, upon 
the advantages claimed for the location of the Capital at the spot suggested, 
in preference to others. The Report, in which the following words occur, 
was presented to the Senate on April 2, 1850. " Your Committee cannot 
dwell with too much warmth upon the magnificent propositions contained 
in the memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe throughout the spirit of 
an enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor, for which he deserves the 
thanks of his countrymen and the admiration of the world. Such a prop- 
osition looks more like the legacy of a mighty Emperor to his people than 
the free donation of a private planter to a great State, yet poor in public 
finance, buL soon to be among the first of the earth." 



192 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The Report, which was presented by D. C. Broderick, goes on to point 
out the necessities which should govern the choice of site of California's 
Capital, recapitulates the advantages pointed out in the memorial, and fin- 
ally recommends the acceptance of General Vallejo's offer. This acceptance 
did not pass the Senate without some opposition and considerable delay. 
However, on Tuesday, February 4, 1851, a message was received from the 
Governor, Peter H. Burnett, by Mr. Ohr, Private Secretary, informing the 
Senate that he did, this day, sign an Act originating in the Senate, entitled 
•' An Act to provide for the permanent location of the Seat of Government." 
In the meantime General Vallejo's bond had been accepted, his solvency 
was approved by a Committee appointed by the Senate, the Report of the 
Commissioners appointed to mark and lay out the tracts of land proposed to 
be donated by General Vallejo was adopted, and on May 1, 1851, the last 
session was held at San Jose, but the archives were not moved to the new 
seat of government then, which was a source of dissatisfaction among the 
members. The Legislature first met at Vallejo on January 5, 1852, bring- 
ing with it the concomitant influx of settlers, the Capitol being erected on 
a piece of ground situated on what now is called York and Main, and 
facing Sacramento street. It was a two-storied building, in the upper one 
of which sat the Senate, the lower one the Assembly, while in the base- 
ment was a saloon and ten-pin alley, which rejoiced in the nick-name of the 
Third House. The oflice of the Secretary of State stood on Main street, 
above Sacramento, but it was afterwards removed to Georgia street, when 
the original building was converted into a drug-store by Doctor James 
Frost. This erection was some years subsequently destroyed by fire. The 
oflices were built of hewn planks from the Sandwich Islands. 

Vallejo was now in reality the Capital of the Golden State. The gen- 
erosity of General Vallejo had been ajjpreciated ; houses commenced to 
spring up on every side, but there was wanting that vortex of dissipation 
which would appear to be necessary in the seat of every Central Govern- 
ment. With these Sacramento abounded, from her close proximity to the 
mines. The Assembly, therefore, with a unanimity bordering on the mar- 
velous, passed a bill to remove the session to that city, ball tickets and 
theatre tickets being tendered to the members in reckless profusion. The 
bill was transferred to the Senate, and bitterly fought by the Hons. Paul 
K. Hubbs and Phil A. Roach. The removal was rejected by one vote. 
This was on a Satm-day. The people were greatly rejoiced at the prospect 
of retaining the prestige conferred by the presence of the Legislature ; but 
never was the proverb of we know not what the morrow may bring forth, 
more fully brought to bear upon any consideration. Senator Anderson 
found an extra sized louse on his pillow. On Monday morning he moved 
a reconsideration of the bill. The alann was sounded on every hand, and 
at 2 P. M. on January 12, 1852, the Government and Legislature was find- 




i^. i^y^r -(^C^^^e^Ju^, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 193 

ing its way to Sacramento by way of the Carquinez Sti-aits. Retribution 
for Vallejo was at hand, however. On the 7th of. March, 1852, a devast- 
ating flood overwhelmed Sacramento, and where the Senators had before 
feared contamination, they now feared drowning. The Legislature ad- 
journed at Sacramento May 4, 1852, the next session to be held at Vallejo. 
On January 3, 1853, the peripatetic Government met again at Vallejo, 
whither the offices of State and a portion of the archives had been removed 
in May. Once more the spirit of jealousy was rampant ; Sacramento could 
not with any grace ask for its removal back thither ; but she, working with 
Benicia, the Capital was once more on wheels and literally carted oft' to 
the latter town for the remaining portion of the session, when a bill was 
passed to fix the Capital of the State at Sacramento, and thereafter 
clinched by large appropriations for building the present magnificent 
Capitol in that town. The last sitting of the Legislature at Vallejo was 
held on February 4, when it was resolved to meet at Benicia on the eleventh 
of the month, the vote being concurred in as follows : Ayes — Messrs. 
Baird, Denver, Estill, Hager, Hubbs, Hudspeth, Keene, Lind, Lott, Lyons, 
McKibben, Roach, Smith, Snyder, Sprague, Wade, Wombough — 17. 
Nays — Crabb, Cofforth, Foster, Gruwell, Ralston, Walkujj- — 6. 

As has been remarked above, there is no reliable information in regard 
to the exact date of the founding of a settlement, but with the advent of 
the Legislature, afiairs took a forward movement. In 1850 Captain Frank 
Marryatt, the author of that most interesting work entitled " Mountains 
and Molehills," who was a son of the famous nautical novelist, imported 
some corrugated iron houses from Liverpool, in England, which he erected, 
and at once found tenants for them. In the Fall of this year Mrs. Burns' 
built the first boarding-house, erecting it on the spot where it now stands, 
on Georgia street, directly opposite the Post-office, while there were run up 
about the same time the Virginia Hotel by Veeder, Social Hall by 
Capt. Stewart, and Central Hotel by Major Wyatt. 

The few buildings then comprised in the town were situated between 
Pennsylvania street on the south, Georgia on the north, Sonoma on the 
east, and the Bay on the west. The country is described as beautiful in 
the extreme ; the rising grounds on every side were green with wild oats, 
interspersed with flowers of the richest hue, resembling one vast sea when 
stirred by the freshening breeze. To the right and left, on the hills and 
in the hollows, the most luxuriant vegetation abounded, growing shoulder 
high with a man on horseback, while here and there the path of rushing 
cattle could be traced as they were driven away from a too close proximity 
to the settlement. This, however, is certain, that in June, 1851, the 
Vallejo House, then kept by Capt. Stewaii., was in full blast, while it is be- 
lieved that this gentleman was the first to build a house on the site of the 
present city. » During the following year it has been shown that the seat of 
13 



194 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

government was at Vallejo, and but few of those who followed its varied 
fortunes found an abiding place there. The only information, therefore, 
which has been procured having any semblance of authenticity is from the 
month of December, 1852. Prior to this a family of the name of Swift 
were located, but they left with the removal of the Government in 1853, 
leavinfr behind Mr. and Mrs. Beegor, Major Wj-att and his wife, Mr. Os- 
borne and wife, Mrs. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Robert Brownlee and his 
wife, Thomas Brownlee, his wife and son Alexander J., now City Clerk, who 
was the first white child in the city, and a few unmamed men. These 
were not what might be termed halcyon days. Affairs were in a most 
primitive state. There was but one span of mules and a wagon, who 
acknowledged one Lemuel Hazelton as the pi'oud possessor; he also kept 
some goats, which in the exigencies of the culinary art became mutton 
when served at table. The Legislature had left after its short-lived session 
of eight days, the places of business had followed it, leaving Vallejo a 
deserted village without a store. In the meantime a two-horse stage had 
been established by William Biyant between Benicia and Vallejo, by which 
means the residents were wont to procure their domestic commodities, 
while a small sloop made monthly trips to San Francisco, when other 
necessaries were purchased. Moving about on horseback was, however, the 
principal and most favorite mode of locomotion, for Macadam had not yet 
cast his influence on the ways of the district. If there were no stores, how- 
ever, the small community was well provided in the matter of stimulants, for 
there were no less than three places where whisky was sold. At this time 
the government of the city was vested in a Justice of the Peace and one 
Constable, who held office by vote, and were elected to serve one term. 
The former office was inaugurated in 1851-2, and filled by Major Hook, 
while Aleck Forbes held the latter. In September, 1852, the finst batch of 
artisans arrived to commence the Dry Dock on Mare Island. This subject, 
however, will be treated in the history of that place. 

In December, 1852, there were in all about a dozen houses, including the 
empty State offices. The Central hotel — the building is still standing, on 
the comer of Main and Marin streets — was kept bj^ Major Wj'att, while the 
Vallejo House had passed into the hands of Major Burney, who had left 
Mariposa county, and settled here. A portion of the frame-work and cor- 
rugated iron roof of the former was among those imported by Frank Mar- 
ryatt. 

With the return of the Legislature a slight impetus was given to the pros- 
perity of Vallejo, which only lasted as long as the Government remained. 
Then was established the first dry -goods store, opened by Wetmore, and the 
first grocers, kept by Dan Williams. With the departure of the Senate and 
Assembly, people at once took themselves off to Benicia, many of the houses 
being bodily removed to that place, leaving behind only two families — the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COUyTT. 195 

Brownlees — and some happy bachelors. Times were so dull, socially, that 
the workmen ■would come across from the dock then building, to chat 
by the hour with the only two ladies of which Vallejo could boast : while 
on their part the many kindly offices granted were sure of receiving the 
highest appreciation. In April, 1853, the first social event was received 
with delight. The birth of Miss Delia Curtis was hailed with a heartiness 
of wishes for the welfare of babe and parents only to be found among those 
inured to hardships. This event was quickly followed by another source of 
rejoicing in the first marriage, that of Mrs. Perkins to Henry Tanvalken- 
berg. 

On July 4, 1853, we find the first celebration of Independence Day, in 
Vallejo. by a dinner at the Vallejo House, and bonfire. At the former there 
sat down two ladies and eight gentlemen, Mrs. Robert and Thomas Brow- 
lee, Cajjtain Stewart, Squire Hook, Edward H. Rowe ^elder^. West Eowe, 
Lemuel Hazleton, B. F. Osborne, with Robert and Thomas Brownlee. At 
an early hour Captain Stewart had donned his full uniform and called on 
all to celebrate the day with becoming ceremony. A few tar barrels had 
been procured from the dry-dock and dragged up to the top of what is now 
caUed Capitol hill ; a pile of brushwood was heaped up to an immense 
height, and ' lashings of whisky " had not been forgotten. At dark the 
hill was ablaze, making the surrounding country as light as day. Success 
to the Union was drank amidst much enthusiasm ; the glass and merry 
song went round ; speeches were the order of the day, or rather night, 
while intense loyalty gave place to noisy enthusiasm, to be replaced by 
morbid toast making, until one by one the heroes who had braved so many 
dangers sank to rest on the bosom of mother earth in a slumber which the 
mighty Bourbon had invoked. In the fall of 1853 there arrived in Vallejo 
Colonel Leslie, who was the first representative of the majesty of the law 
who established himself in the city. It is reported that on one occasion, 
shortly after his arrival, a Mr Reid was out hunting, and, firing his gun, 
the charge by mistake shattered the colonel's window and lodged in the 
wall of the room wherein he lay in bed. In towering wrath he arose, 
dressed, and remembering that he had somewhere been made a Justice of 
the Peace, he effected the arrest of the culprit with his own hands, and in 
turn formed himself into prosecuting attorney, jury, witness, and judge ; 
mulcted Reid in the sum of ten dollars ; but to what authority the fine 
went was never divulged. This is the first record of judicial proceedings in 
Vallejo. In October, 1853, we have intimation of the first birth of a bov in 
the person of Robert Brownlee, junior, while death had commenced his havoc 
by calling away one Joe Sparrow, a native of Virginia, where he left a 
family. The medical pioneer of the city was Doctor Frisbie, who estab- 
lished him self in 1851 ; but there was also a Doctor Davis, who practiced 
shortly after : while the first store where medicine was sold was opened by 



196 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Daniel Dodd. It will thus be seen that the little city was fast assuming 
something like shape ; the different trades had been established. Ben Os- 
borne had sometime before commenced working at his business of a carpen- 
ter, while Thomas Browlee had opened a forge, where, like Vulcan of old, he 
wielded his ponderous hammer. It is true that sugar and tea were hard to 
obtain, and then at an exorbitant figure. Cabbages were sold at 30 cents per 
head ; pork at 30 cents per pound ; eggs at 5 dollars per dozen ; milk at 50 
cents a gallon ; and Major Burney, it is said, paid at Napa, whither he had 
gone on a visit, as high as 16 dollars for a rooster and hen ; while for a 
brace of cats he gave the same price, getting for their progeny a sum of 4 
dollars each ; but if these prices prevailed fuel was cheap, for the shores of 
the bay and straits were covered with drift-wood, which had come down 
the Sacramento and other streams, and was to be had in any quantity 
simply for the collecting. In this year Robert Brownlee purchased Major 
Burney's farm, about two miles north of the city, near where the cemetery 
of the Odd-Fellows and other associations is now inclosed, which in 1857 he 
exchanged with land lying in another part of the county to General John 
B. Fri-sbie. Cows at this time cost from 125 dollars each, and horses were 
con-espondingly high. The district swarmed with wild geese, which com- 
mitted great depredations, as they do to-day, on the sown ground. Still, 
notwithstanding their number, the price one fetched on being sold was 25 
cents. 

In 1853 General Vallejo disposed of a league of land, including the town 
site, to Sam Purdy, Lieutenant-Governor of the State, James Wadsworth, 
Martin E. Cooke, and General Denver, for the sum of thirty thousand dol- 
lars. They in turn sold out a portion into lots for fifteen thousand dollars ; 
but owing to the great revulsion in business which had set in and the con- 
sequent failures of certain banks, the whole amount was never paid to the 
original owner. General Frisbie, therefore, to smooth matters, returned 
the fifteen thousand dollars, and agreed to accept a conveyance of the pro- 
perty, which was done. 

In the year 1854 the value of property rose considerably, owing to the 
United States Government have taken possession of Mare Island, with the 
intention of establishing a Navy Yard upon it. This of course gave a great 
impetus to immigration ; land had to be taken in and surveyed (the difierent 
dates of which will be given hereafter), and houses built for the accommo- 
dation of the hundreds of workmen and their followers, who would find 
employment in the yard. Affairs assumed a rosier hue ; for with this influx 
of labor the circulation of money would be increased, while a life of pros- 
perity might be looked for. It was a happy choice which sent Captain 
David G. Farragut to assume command of the yard, in 1854. This year was 
one of plenty for Vallejo. 

On the last day of the year a heavy gale visited the city ; throughout 
( 



THK HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 197 

the night it blew with terrific violence ; the vessels in the harbor which had 
arrived with dock stores dragged at their anchors, while the iron roof of 
the Union hotel, on what is now Georgia street, close to the wharf, was 
rolled up and driven to a distance of a block and a half, such was the force 
of the wind. 

In 1855 we have mention of the first minister in the Reverend William 
Willmott who was in charge of a circuit of the Methodist Body, and organ- 
ized a church at Vallejo. Mrs. Farragut, the Misses Turner and others had 
however fornied a Sunday school which would appear to be the basis on 
which Mr. Wilmott founded his congregation. In this year prosperity 
would appear to have still attended Vallejo ; the tide of immigration which 
had set in the previous year remained unimpeded ; a daily steamer looked 
into the harbor on its way from San Fi-ancisco to Napa, while a postmaster 
was appointed in the person of Eleazer Frisbie and mail matter could be 
looked for with greater regularity, although in the prepostal days Whitmore 
conducted the distribution of letters with commendable punctualitj\ 
Colonel Leslie held the office of postmaster during the years when the legis- 
lature sat in the city. On Thursday, November 22, 1855, the inaugural 
number of the " Vallejo Bulletin " made its appearance as the first represen- 
tative of the fourth estate in the city. It was published every Thursday 
evening by A. J. Cox and E. B. Eaton, the latter being the editor, and con- 
tains matter of varied interest, the first item being The Psalm of Life, by 
Longfellow, the opening stanza of which would appear to be a grim satire 
on the short-lived career of this periodical. 

" Tell me not in mournful numbers 
Life is but an empty dream ; 
For the soul is dead that slumbers, 
And things are not what they seem." 

The Bulletin numbered exactly four pages of a size slightly larger than 
legal foolscap. It consisted of six columns of original matter and reports 
with three of advertisements, w^ile the last page was occupied by clippings 
from the most prominent exchanges of the old and new world. One article 
is reproduced. Improvements in Town. — A fine substantial wharf is just 
completed at the foot of Main street, which, we are informed, is built in a 
manner that reflects great credit upon the contractors, Messrs. Morrison & 
Bates. The wharf is about 250 feet in length and 25 feet in width with a 
" T " 30x60 feet, capable of affording ample accommodations to the largest 
class steamer. At low water there are about seven feet. It would not sur- 
prise us to see, in a few months, this old and once principal street of the 
town lined on either side with handsome buildings, as it is certainly a very 
desirable locality for private residences. The United States Hotel, a large 



198 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

and popular house, is near the wharf, and not far off is Capt. James War- 
ner's elegant brick residence, the first of the kind erected in the 
town. The public are mainly indebted for this valuable improvement 
to Capt. Chas. J. Stewart, W. R. Woods, J. B. Frisbie and the Messrs. 
Bromleys (Brownlees ?). From the advertisements we cull, that Daniel 
Dodd kept a variety store on Georgia street next door to Doctor 
Collins' office, where he offered fruits Protestant and Catholic prayer 
books, powder, bibles, nuts and game bags. Frisbie & Rowe and 
Wyatt & Co. had livery stables on York street. Here we find 
the card of Pendleton Colston, District Attorney, Solano county, 
office, adobe, lately occupied by Register of Land office, Benicia, while we 
find the U. S. Mail between Vallejo and Benicia left the former place at 7 
A. M. and 4 p. M. daily, and that the steamer " Guadaloupe," Captain Good- 
rich, plyed from San Francisco to Vallejo and Napa via. Mare Island and 
Sus.col three times a week. The " Vallejo Bulletin " lived six weeks. 

From the year 1855 matters can be said to have proceeded well for Val- 
lejo ; the opening of the Mare Island Navy Yard was a source from which 
much benefit was derived. In subsequent years the growth of the city was 
healthy, and a better class of buildings, public as well as private, were 
erected, and Vallejo promised to occupy the place on the coast which was 
always predicted for it. In 1859 and '60, however, the incendiaries' hand 
was at work, and many houses, which were the land-marks of by -gone days, 
were destroyed, among them the State House. Progress, was, happity, the 
watchword, however, and the former unpretentious edifices made way for 
others of a more noble character, until there are some blocks in the city 
which will bear favorable comparison with those in any other part of the 
country. In 1857, Colonel Stockton, of San Francisco, made his appear- 
ance, and formed a joint-stock company for establishing a telegraph line 
between Vallej J and Benicia; preliminaries being satisfactorily settled, the 
line was in working order in the fall of the same year. In the spring of 
1859 it was extended to Napa, and has ever since proved an inestimable 
boon to the district. W. W. Chapman was the first operator ; but Chai-les 
H. Hubbs, of Vallejo, was the first who actually manipulated the wires on 
the new line. 

For ten years the prospects of the city wei-e steadily improving; many 
houses of a moi-e substantial character had given place to the earlier wooden 
erections, until, in 1867, the " Vallejo Recorder " informs us : " There is not 
a vacant cottage in town ; buildings are engaged two or three months before 
the lease expires. There were five applications for one residence this week. 
Lots 50x13 feet cost $200. Lumber is worth from $25 to $30 per thousand." 
A sure sign of the prosperity of the times was evidenced by the establishment 
of many Associations calculated to bring good to the public generally, his- 
tories of which will be found further on ; and in that year the California 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 199 

Pacific Eailroad, from Vallejo to Sacramento, traversing the counties of 
Solano and Sutter, was commenced. At this interesting epoch, Vallejo had 
a population of some 3,000 ; but owing to the impetus given to labor of all 
kinds, it doubled its numbers in two years after, the expectation being that 
it would become a great entrepot for trade ; therefore, arrangements were 
made for a large shipping business. 

Prior to the year 1866, as has been remarked above, the peace, order 
and good government of Vallejo had been invested in a Justice of the 
Peace and a Constable ; on the 23rd of July of that year, however, a meet- 
ing was held and duly organized, by the election of William C. Greaves, 
President ; Eben Hilton, Treasurer ; William Aspenall, Secretary, with 
Amos M. Currier, and S. G. Hilborn, as Town Attorneys, when ordinances 
were passed, regulating the health and cleanliness of the town, and other- 
wise providing for its government. In the following February an Act was 
passed by the Legislature, incorporating the city within the limits ; " begin- 
ning at the north-east corner of the present town of Vallejo, as recorded by 
plan drawn in 1856, and running east 3,000 feet ; thence running south to 
the water of the bay of Vallejo, or Napa river ; thence running up the 
channel of said bay, or river, to a point west of the place of beginning ; 
thence running east to place of beginning." The first Board meeting after 
the incorporation of the city, was held on April 1, 1868, when the following 
ofiicers were elected: Trustees — A. Powell, President; George W. Lee, H. 
W. Snow ; Marshall, J. L. Likens ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W. 
Batchellor ; Receiver, C. W. Riley ; R. D. Hopkins ; Health Ofiicer, Dr. L. 
C. Frisbie ; Surveyor, E. H. Rowe. This year, though one wherein Vallejo 
reached the proud distinction of having a charter of her own, it was one 
not unattended by disaster. On the morning of February 18th, the Alpha 
Block, one of the best and most substantial structures in the city, situated 
on the south-east corner of Georgia and Santa Clara streets, and owned by 
E. H. Sawyer, was destroyed by fire. The buildings stood on what was, 
until ihis catastrophe, the business portion of the town, and consisted of 
elegant brick buildings, and their destruction, at a loss of over $40,000, was 
a sad blow to the interests of the city for a time. But yet another misfor- 
tune visited Vallejo this year, namely, the shock of earthquake, which 
nearly laid San Francisco level with the ground, on the 21st of October, 
1868. Vallejo, however, escaped any great damage ; though one chimney 
was laid low, many yards of plastering disjjlaced, and such articles as 
clocks, mirrors, and lamps broken. On Wednesday, the 24th of June, rail- 
road communication between Vallejo and Fairfield, and Suisun, was inaugu- 
rated by an excursion, wherein the Masonic Lodges took part, and it is also 
to this year that the incorporation of a water company must be credited. 
In looking back upon the year 1868, it must be put down as one of great 
excitement to Vallejo, for General Vallejo's prophecy of this city of his be- 



200 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

coming a gi-eat emporium for trade, was on the brink of realization ; eight- 
een months before the town was comparatively small, and its trade and 
intercourse with the outside world almost nil ; then the California Pacific 
Railroad existed only on paper, and its ultimate construction was among 
the probabilities only. True, the bare probability of such a road being 
built, drew thousands to the spot, who had never seen the place before, and 
for years had not even heard of it, save when mentioned in connection with 
the Nayj' Yard. As the certainty of the construction of the road began to 
be realized, Vallejo began to awake from a Rip Van Winkle sleep of fifteen 
years, and to show signs of real life. Hotels, stores, shops and dwellings be- 
gan to arise in every direction, and the old resumed an appearance of returning 
youth. But the railroad had not yet been built, and it was soon found that 
the little business awakened had been prematurely aroused, and began to 
relapse into its former somnambulistic state. As the last spring opened, 
however, the iron horse started from the water front and began to make its 
way eastward, returning with well laden cars freighted with grain of the 
rich and abundant harvests of Solano and Yolo ; while ships of foreign 
flags bore it away to other climes ; and travelers from beyond the snow 
mountains and from every part of the State, took part in the whirl of busi- 
ness, and the future of Vallejo was thought to be secure beyond a perad- 
venture. Alas ! that this success should have been so short-lived ! ! ! 

On the 13th day of November, 1868, the second Board of Trustees was 
organized under Philip Mager, President, Henry Connolly, and Edward 
McGettigan, Trustees ; Lyman Leslie, City Recorder ; George Edgar, City 
Marshal ; J. E. Abbott, City Treasurer ; Elisha Whiting, City Assessor ; 
Paul K. Hubbs, Clerk ; A. H. Gunning, City Surveyor, and L. C. Frisbie, 
Health Officer. 

For the next few years affairs progressed right meiTily. The propriety 
of erecting street railroads was early mooted, for which a franchise was 
granted in February. A steamer was put on the line to San Francisco, 
plying twice a day, in connection with the cars ; while a grain elevator was 
being built. This edifice afterwards fell in 1872, from the want of proper 
foundations. Valltjo boasted five schools, which were said to be filled with 
scholars ; a large flour mill had been started, and the citj^ fathers looked 
after the interests invested in them. 

On the morning of the 7th of November, 1871, Vallejo was again visited 
by a destructive five which desolated one of the principal blocks in the city. 
The fire broke out under the saloon of John O'Sullivan, on Virginia street, 
and, from information gained at the time, there is but little doubt that it 
was caused by the blackened hand of the incendiary. The damage was 
estimated at considerably over $50,000. 

Let us now draw this sketch of Vallejo to a close. Her interests 
prospered through the successive regimes of Trustees and other officers. 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 201 

Appointments had been made whereby the public coffers were filled and 
trade was brisk ; so much so, indeed, that the possibility of a decline never 
presented itself to the minds of the people. With General John B. Frisbie 
as a moving spirit, this conception of prosperity was almost reasonable ; but 
there came a day when his helping hand was of no avail, and the years of 
plenty, in a great measure enhanced by the presence of the dock yard, gave 
way to a season of decline, which commenced in 1874, when trade dimin- 
ished to a lamentable extent, continuing its downward course until 1878, 
when it, in a measure, again revived, and left its lessened population once 
more on the increase, with a distant propect of some day recovering the 
ground already lost. 

The officers of succeeding Boards were as under : 

1869— Trustees, A. Powell, President, S. G. Hillborn, Eben Hilton, A. P. 
Voorhees, and E. T. Starr ; City Recorder, Charles C. Hall ; Marshal, Joseph 
L. Likins ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W. Batchellor ; Clerk, C. 

A. Kidder. In this year a term of service of two years was first inaugura- 
ted. The fourth Board was organized on September 16, 1871, with John 

B. Frisbie as President, having for his colleagues A. Powell, S. G. Hillborn, 
A. P. Voorhees, and E. H. Sawyer ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W. 
Batchellor ; Marshal, J. J. Watkinson ; Recorder, T. H. Lawlor ; Clerk, 
Judson Haycock ; Surveyor, E. H. Rowe. During the tenure of office of 
this Board an Act was passed whereby the corporation were empowered to 
borrow $50,000 as a fund to protect the city from fire, the principal to be 
paid off in twenty years, and bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent 
per annum. This Act was passed on January 11, 1872. The original 
intention was to appropriate this fund for the building of a reservoir on 
Bolsa hill, an elevation to the north of the town, but the project was aban- 
doned on the formation of a water company. $15,000 of it was used on 
digging and planking the Fifth street cut, between North and South Vallejo; 
$8,000 were expended on the construction of the City Hall ; while a consid- 
erable sum was spent on the City Park, which to-day only shows a result 
in a few pickets and eucalyptus trees. Other expenses of a desultory nature 
were incurred, swallowing the entire original sum, and, though the interest 
is met with becoming punctuality, the principal debt remains unpaid. South 
Vallejo had in the meantime claimed an interest in the governing affairs of the 
city; therefore, on May 12, 1872, Messrs. J. B. Robinson and Luke Doe were 
first elected fi'om that portion of the town. On the 6th of March, 1873, John 
M. Gregory, Jr., was elected City Clerk and Attorney, and on December 24, 
1873, J. E. Abbott was elected City Clerk and Attorney vice Gregory, 
resigned, and J. R. English as City Treasurer vice Abbott, resigned. The 
election of the 26th of March, 1 874, resulted in the following selection : 
Trustees, W. Aspinall, President, C. B. Denio, E. H. Sawyer, D. W. Han-ier, 
Henry Connolly, and J. E. Williston ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor, 



202 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

William Tormey ; Marshall, S. J. Wright, and City Clerk, J. E. Abbott. In 
the year 1876 a new era had commenced in the municipal election, for a 
system of elections by wards had been inaugurated, with the accompanying 
result: First Ward — William Aspenall, Ed. McGittigan, H. K. Snow; 
Second Ward^E. J. Wilson, President, P. R. Walsh, Charles Weideman ; 
Third Ward — John P. Dare ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor, George 
Rounds ; Marshal, Charles Derby ; H. H. Snow, City Clerk. The election 
of March 26, 1878, and the second by wards, resulted ; First Ward — D. J. 
Ree.se, J. A. Mclnnes, J. H. Green ; Second Ward — E. J. Wilson, President, 
S. C. Farnham, W. C. Greaves ; Third Ward — F. Deininger ; Marshal, W. 
McDonald ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor, W. A. Brace ; City Clerk, A. 
J. Brownlie. The Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month. 

On the 13th of May, 1878, the Board of Health was organized, and their 
first meeting held on June 6th, when the following officers were elected : 
President, James Frost, M.D. ; Secretar}', A. J. Brownlie ; with a Board 
composed of James Topley, F. Deininger, and John Callender. Meetings 
held on the last Thursday of each month. 

In reference to the different surveys of the city, the first was made in the 
year 1850 by Surveyor-General Whiting, Edward Rowe, Mason Fay, and 
Doctor L. C. Frisbie, attended by three or four vaqueros to drive away the 
wild cattle while the lines were being run. Only that portion of the pres- 
ent city lying south of Georgia street was laid out as then surveyed. It 
contained about 160 acres of land. In 1856 another survey (already alluded 
to) was made, embracing a league of land ; while a third was made when 
the town took its rapid start in 1867 or '68. 

The site of the city of Vallejo is undoubtedly picturesque ; the undulating 
hills which forty years ago General Vallejo had looked upon with becoming 
pride, have now been occupied by hundreds of beautiful homes, nearly all 
of which are snugly ensconced in their own gardens, surrounded by flowers 
of the richest hue and rarest perfume, while for miles around, the hills which 
promised so rare a fertility, are now sprouting -nnth a crop, finer than which 
no other country can produce. To the right and to the left, as far as the 
eye can reach, we gaze upon nought but the progress of civilization and the 
richest vegetation. Standing on Capitol hill the placid bay lies at our feet, 
its surface without a ripple, and glancing from its peaceful bt)som the many 
shadows reflected from the shore. The busy Navy Yard breaks what 
would otherwise be the monotonous water view ; on its other side we have 
the San Pablo bay, while here and therea white shimmering sail proclaims 
the passage of some sailing craft, and a cloud of smoke defines the locality 
of the fast traveling steamboat, and again, as it were the background of the 
picture, Marin countj^ shows its well marked outline. The Coast range of 
hills are followed in their uneven line, and grand old Mount Tamalpais 
stands like a stolid sentry over its lesser brethren. Below is marked the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 203 

busy landing-place, whither flock passengers bound to all points of the com- 
pass ; the shrill shriek of the locomotive is heard above the other sounds, as 
it is brought back by many an answering echo. Now we hear the more 
hollow whistle of the steamer, as she arrives or departs with her freight of 
human beings. Again comes the toll of the time bell giving the hour to 
the weary workman in the Yard; while the scene is filled in with vessels of 
great tonnage riding cosily at anchor at the piers, awaiting cargoes of 
precious wheat to be taken across the seas. To the north the fertile Napa 
valley stretches away for miles, presenting a landscape of the most ravish- 
ing order, backed as it is by mountains of very fantastic shape, while in 
the foregi'ound we have that glorious monument erected by the Sons of 
Temperance for all orphans whose parents have been called upon to 
cross the dark river. A noble thought, nobly executed ! Pity 'tis that the 
cares of rude business should blot so fair scene ! ! 

It may not be uninteresting here to produce among the curiosities of 
literature connected with Vallejo, the specimens of ways in which it can be 
spelt. It is one of the axioms of English grammar that there is no rule for 
the spelling and pronunciation of proper names, a rule which would appear 
to have been carried out with remarkable unanimity by the correspond- 
ents of residents in the city. The list was collected in six months from the 
Vallejo Post-ofiice, and is without doubt a most curious specimen of 
orthography. They number about one hundred, and are as follows : Val- 
laho, Valahoe, Valaho, Valao, Vallajo, Vallajoe, Vallajo, Valajoa, Vala Jae, 
Valaja, Vallago, Valago, Vallaiho, Valeejo, Valeajo, Valeijo, Valoege, Valegoa, 
Valegio, Valego, Valejo, Vallejo Valle Jo, Vallejoe, Vallejio, Vallejaio, 
Valler, Vallejeo, Vallegeo, Valleo, Vallejho, Vallerio, Vallesso, Valeyo, Val- 
leyo, Valleyoe, Valleyio, Valley Joe, Valleygo, Valleya, Valoyegoy, Vaeygo, 
Valgeo, Valgo, Valiego, Valigo, Valliejo, Vallijo,Valligo,Valigeo, Valliju, Valljo, 
Vallo, Valgho, Vally Joe, Valley Jog, Valyo, Vallyo, Vealejo, Veleajho, 
Velajo, Velaow, Vellajo, Velegio, Veleijo, Velego, Velegoe, Veleo, Vellejo, 
Vellego, Velleijo, Velighlow, Velijo, Velioe, Veljaho, Vel Ja, Vialojo, Villeiu, 
Villigj, Villejo, Villgo, Vallejalahoe, Ballejo, Bellejo, Billejo, Salliegro, Levejo, 
Palesso, Ralejo, Wallajo, Wallego, Wallejo, Walleja, Walleio, Welayego, 
Yallejo, Yalleyjo, Valley Joow and Valahough. 



Churches — Schools— Associations — Industries — etc. — of Vallejo. 



Methodist Episcopal Church. — The appended historical sketch of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of the City of Vallejo has been supplied by 
the Rev. E. I. Jones, the present Pastor — About the middle of 1855, Rev. 
William Willmott was appointed in charge of a circuit which included 
the towns of Benicia and Vallejo. During that year and a part of the 



204 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

one following, he preached at Vallejo and partially organized a Methodist 
church. Before his advent, Mrs. Commodore Farragut, the Misses Turner 
and others had conducted a Sunday school, which seems to have been the 
nucleus around which Mr. Willmott gathered his congregation. 

In January, 1856, Gen. John B. Frisbie donated and deeded the present 
church site to David G. Farragut, David Turner, Simeon Jenkins, Charles 
H. Oliver and James H. Green " in trust for the use of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in the town of Yallejo, etc." Upon this lot, and largely 
through the exertions of Farragut, was built a small, rough structure which 
served for a time the double piu'pose of chapel and school-house. Mr. 
Willmott went to the Atlantic in the summer of 1856 and his pulpit was 
supplied by Rev. Geo. B. Taylor. 

Rev. C. V. Anthony who became pastor in September, 1856, perfected 
the organization. Written by him and preserved among the church records 
is a quaint narrative from which the follo's\nng extract is taken. " The church 
waf! built of planks placed endwise and battened with narrow strips. 
Only the casings and cornice were planed ; the other pai-ts were rough and 
washed with j^ellow ochre and lime. The pulpit was a high, old-fashioned 
concern, with a trap door under the preachers feet, where the sexton who 
was generally preacher also, kept the sperm oil and other things for light- 
ing the church. In former times this room under the pulpit had served 
another purpose. The pastor who built the church put a cot do'wn there 
and, when he retired, simply lifted the trap-door and went to bed, leaving 
the door up. During my first year, we succeeded in paying the old debt of 
four hundred dollai-s. More comfortable seats were pro^^ded, the church 
was painted and a fence put around it. Aforetime, it had been a convenient 
place for cattle to shade themselves, and on Sundays we were oft^n dis- 
turbed by their contentions and sometimes shaken by their scratchings 
against the corners of the church." 

At the close of this pastorate the church had fourteen members. This 
number does not, however, indicate the actual size or strength of the con- 
gregation, which included among its most zealous workers the adherents of 
other churches which then had no organizations in the town. In Mr. 
Anthony's narative, David Turner and Mrs. Farragut, Episcopalians, and 
Nehemiah Smith, Presb\i;erian, are mentioned as haNnng been notably 
active and helpful. Dr. \\'oodbi-idge, Presbyterian, held services in the 
church every Sunday afternoon but had no organization. 

The following named pastoi^s succeeded, their terms beginning in Septem- 
ber of the years specified : James Hunter, 1858 ; Kilpatrick, 1859 ; W. B. 
May, I860; J. W. Hines, 1861 ; B. F. Myers, 1SC3; P. L. Haynes, 1865. 

During the pastorate of the last named, the membership nearly doubled 
and the church was greatly impi-oved by the addition of a vestibule and 
bell tower. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 205 

Rev. Galen A. Pierce became pastor in September, 1867, and had a 
notably acceptable term of two years, at the close of which there were fifty- 
five members and a property valued at $4,600. 

Rev. Charles E. Rich followed in August, 1869. The city was more pop- 
ulous and prosperous during his term than before or since. The congrega- 
tion so increased that the church was lengthened fifteen feet, a vestry-room 
was added, and the whole edifice so improved as to be substantially, a new 
one. A debt was, however, incurred which greatly embarrassed the church 
for about seven years. In August, 1870, there were ninety-five members 
and property valued at S7,000, including the preseiit parsonage, then but 
recently acquired. 

Rev. A. K. Crawford was pastor for one year from September, 1872, re- 
porting fifty-five members at the close of his term. 

Rev. W. S. Urmy followed in 1873 and remained three years, at the end 
of the second of which he reports the membership at one hundred and 
$2,600 as having been expended upon the church property, mostly in partial 
payment of the debt heretofore mentioned. At the close of his term the 
membership had decreased to seventy-one and nearly one-half of these 
were nominal or non-resident. 

Rev. Ed. I. Jones, the present pastor — 1879 — became such in September, 
1876, at which time removals had so deciminated the membership and 
business depressions so discouraged those remaining, that this pastorate 
opened unhopefully, especially, in view of the fact that there was still an 
indebtedness of about $1,500. On Sunday eve, December 8, 1878, the 
church was almost totally destroyed by fire, originating, it is supposed in 
a defective flue. The proceeds of an insurance policy for $1,500 were 
applied upon the indebtedness. The society now numbers about fifty, owns 
the fine church site, upon which is a vestry-room and a parsonage. Geo. 
W. Smith, James H. Green, Samuel Kitto, John Q. Adams and Frank L. 
Carlton are the trustees. 

Throughout its twenty-five years of existence this church has been 
peculiarly impeded by the floating character of the population and by suc- 
cessive drafts upon its original resources consequent upon the organization 
of four other Protestant churches in the town. Its officers not vanquished 
by more than ordinary obstacles, are hopefully planning for the future. 

First Preshyterian Church. — Previous to the arrival of the present pastor, 
Revd. N. B. Klink, in Vallejo, the Reverend S. Woodbridge, D. D. of Beni- 
cia, had preached to a congregation in this city for several years on the 
afternoon of every sabbath. At the time there was no Presbyterian church ; 
service was therefore held in the Methodist Episcopalian building. On as- 
certaining that it was Mr. Klink's intention toresidepermanently in Vallejo 
Dr. Woodbridge resigned the duties to him ; and the Methodists, being now 
without a minister, invited him to supply them, and granted the use of their 



206 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COrSTT. 

house of worship until September, 1863. The First Presbj-terian Church 
was organized In the month of November, 1862, while they were still wor- 
shipping in the Methodist Church. According to public notice, the congre- 
gation met in the Methodist Episcopalian Church, November 22. 18G2, for 
the purpose, if the way be clear, of organizing a Presbyterian Church. The 
meeting was called to order, and opened with prayer. The Reverend N. B. 
Klink was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Henrj- Blackman, secretary. 
The following named persons being present with letters of dismis.*;ion from 
other Presbyterian Churches, and voluntarily wishing to be associated to- 
gether for Di\-ine and Godly living, were, on motion, formed into a Presby- 
terian Church of the " old school." within the bounds of Benicia Presbytery 
and STOod of the Pacific : Mre. Helen Williamson ; Carrie E. Frisbie ; 
Susan Callender ; Elizabeth Chapman ; Isabella Rule ; Eliza Roloft" ; Phebe 
A. Frisbie ; Sylvia M. Burns ; J. Wright ; J. Tessroe, with Messrs. Stephen 
Klink and E. H. M. Bailey. There being none present who were willing to 
accept the office of " Ruling Elder," the chiu'ch was only provisionally or- 
ganized. 

The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in the United States 
of America, and also the Form of Government and the Directions for Wor- 
ship, were adopted as their standards of Faith and Order ; and A. Powell, 
Daniel Williamson, James Topley, E. H. M. Bailey, and Stephen Klink, 
were elected a Board of Trustees, and were also chosen as a building com- 
mittee, when immediate steps were taken for the erection of a house of wor- 
ship on two lots on the northwest corner of Marin and Carolina streets, 
which were the gift of General John B. Frisbie. 

During the summer of 1S63 the building of the church was proceeded 
with ; and on the fij-st Sunday in September in that year the opening ser- 
mon was preached by the Reverend A. Fairbairn ; yet, though incomplete, 
worship was maintained in it for full two years, when, on November 5, 
1865, it was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God by the 
Reverend Doctor Woodhridge. The edifice, along with the bell, cost S8,500. 

In April, 1866, Messrs. E. H. M. Bailey and L. G. Oliver were elected 
Ruling Elders ; and on May 8th, they having been ordained, were duly in- 
stalled as officers of the church, on which ceremony its organization became 
complete. The present session consists of Samuel Duncan, C. B. Towle, 
and Robert B. Barr, with whom is associated the acting pastor. The whole 
number of members received from the organization is 185 ;, the number now 
in membership being 77, while the Sabbath School, under the superinten- 
dency of Elder Robert B. Barr, numbers about 100. 

The Church of the Ascension — Protestant Episco}xil. — For many years 
prior to 1867, service, according to the form of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, had been held in Vallejo ; but it was not until the 21st of July, of that 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 207 

year, that any steps had been taken to form a permanent association of the 
kind. On that Sunday the services were conducted by the Bishop of the Dio- 
cese, the Right Reverend Wilbraham Kip, and the Reverends Messrs. Tread- 
way and Peny, during whicli, intimation was given that a meeting of the 
association would be held at the office of the Honorable Paul K. Hubbs, on the 
Monday following. The meeting was duly convened, and an association in- 
corporated under the laws of the State, and the Diocese of California, under 
the name as given above, the following gentlemen subscribing to the Decla- 
ration and Articles of Association : Paul K. Hubbs, T. H. Gardner, R. D. 
Hopkins, W. H. Lamb, Paul Shirley, Jas. Price, L. C. Fowler, Wm. Taylor, 
Jr., Casper Schenck, Thomas A. Thornton, Ed. A. Willats, Jas. A. Green, A. 
T. Hawley, W. C. Root, Geo. Loomis, Wm. A. Parker, J. W. Haskin, and W. 
H. Stanley. The subjoined vestrymen were, thereupon, elected : Messrs. 
Paul K. Hubbs, Wm. H. Lamb, L. C. Fowler, J. H. K. Barbour, Wm. A. 
Parker, J. W. Browne, W. C. Root, Wm. Taylor, Jr., J. W. Haskin, Philip 
Hickburn, and R. D. Hopkins, with Messrs. Fowler and Hubbs, as Senior 
and Junior Wardens, and Messrs. Hopkins and Lamb, Secretary and Treas- 
urer respectively. After the election of these officers the Rev. A. C. Tread- 
way was unanimously chosen the first Rector of the Church of the Ascen- 
sion, at Vallejo. In the course of time laws and by-laws, for the governing 
of the executive body, were framed and brought into effect. On the 29th of 
July, a building committee was appointed, with power to solicit subscriptions 
in aid of the erection of a church. General John B. Frisbie generously pre- 
sented them with two lots whereon to erect the sacred edifice ; plans and 
specifications were gratuitously prepared by Mr. Gunning, architect, of Mare 
Island ; and a Fair was held by the ladies of the congregation and their 
friends, to still further augment the funds. The foundation stone was laid 
on the 4th of May, 1868. 

On the 8th of April, 1868, Mr. Tread way, in a letter of great feeling, 
tendered his resignation, which was duly accepted, in fitting terms, in meet- 
ing assembled, when it was resolved to invite the Rev. Dr. Breck to take 
charge of the parish, in connection with the Associate Mission, which he had 
established in Benicia. In the meantime, Mr. Treadway had returned to New 
York ; but such was the estimation in which he was held, that it was unani- 
mously resolved on the 15th of July, to invite him to return to his former 
charge, which he signified his willingness to do ; and on the 10th of December 
he once more presided at a vestry meeting of the parish. During this period 
the building of the church progressed satisfactorily. On the evening of the 
9th of March, 1870, the introduction of gas into the building was com- 
pleted ; and on Sunday, the 13th, the edifice was duly consecrated by the 
Bishop of California, before an overflowing congregation. On the 5th of 
August, 1871, Mr. Treadway once more tendered his resignation, the accept- 
ance of which was declined, on the plea " that the interests of the church 



208 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

would not prosper so well under the ministry of any other person," when 
the Rector signified his willingness that the question of his retirement re- 
main in stntn quo ; he, however, again opened the question on the 7th of 
February, 1872, stating his intention of returning home to the East in 
April or May following. 

Still, the vestry were unwilling to part with their pastor, who, they sug- 
gested, should be tendered a leave of absence ; but at last he prevailed, and 
his resignation was accepted, to take effect on the 31st of December, 1872. 
His farewell sermon is described as being a deep utterance of pastoral love, 
which was both appropriate and impresstve. A successor was found in the 
Rev. Adam A. McAllister, who was nominated to the vacant Rectorship on 
the 13th of November, 1872. On the 21st of December, the vestry lost, by 
death, one of its most active members, in Paymaster Mead, U. S. N., when 
condolotary resolutions were directed to be forwarded to his family ; the 
meeting, however, whose painful duty it was to pass the foregoing, had a 
more plea.sant one in thanking the " ladies of the Episcopal Benevolent 
Association of Vallejo, for having realized the means, and by their generosity, 
devoted them to the liquidation of the debts of the Church of the Ascension 
from embarrassment, and enabling the church, unfettered by pecuniary 
obligations, to renew and enlarge its work." On the .5th of January, 1874, 
Mr. McAllister now resigned, when the pulpit was- offered to and accepted 
by the Rev. E. L. Greene, who, on account of family affliction, sent in his 
resignation on the 18th of February, 1875; it was accepted; and on the 
25th of the same month, the Rev. W. H. Moore was offered the parish. At 
a meeting of the vestry, held on the 16th of June, 1875, it was resolved to 
move the church back 25 feet, which was subsequently carried out, and the 
ground graded, a fence built, shrubbery planted, and the premises 
otherwise adorned. The funds of the parish were in somewise aided by a 
bequest from the late Senior Warden, Paul K. Hubbs, who had died on the 
I7th of November previously. In the death of this gentleman, the church 
and parish lost one of its staunchest supports ; it was mainly to his good 
offices that the " Church of the Ascension " was organized ; and the esteem 
in which he was held is touchingly alluded to in the resolution directing 
realization of the bequest. On the Cth of April, 1876, death had again en- 
tered in ; once more thei-e was a vacancy among the wardens ; this time, in 
the person of Mr. W. C. Root, the first person confirmed in the parish. He 
was elected a vestryman at the time of the organization of the parish, and 
had been one of its officers in successive years. . 

At a meeting held on the 18th of April, the Reverend W. A. Moore an- 
nounced his wi.sh to resign, which took effect on the 15th of May. Mr. 
McAllister once more temporarily occupied the pulpit until the appointment 
of a successor, who was found in Dr. Chapman, who in his turn left the 
parish for his home in Sacramento in August, and was succeeded bv the 





^/t4/rfA^ 



*M£ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 209 

Reverend George B. Allen, on the 23d October, 1876. He now resigned on 
the 22 November, and again was the Church of the Ascension without an 
officiating clergyman of its own. The parish was then ofTered to the Rev- 
erend R. T. Kline, whose acceptance was made known on the 2d of January, 
1877. This clergyman remained with his congregation the better part of 
eleven months, when he handed in a letter of retirement on the 21 of 
November of the same year. Mr. McAllister again occupied the pulpit 
from Sunday to Sunday, until on December 23, 1877, it was resolved to 
call the Reverend David F. MacDonald, D. D. fi'om Arkansas. This gentle- 
man is the present incumbent. 

Dr. MacDonald was, as far back as 1856, the first missionary of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal Church in this county. He was located by the Bishop of 
the Diocese at Benicia, where he labored amongst all classes with much 
zeal. He had often conducted services in the parish where he is now rector 
in a small building used as a Methodist church, and it was a graceful re- 
membrance of former eftbrts which suggested, after the lapse of so many 
years, the tendering of the pulpit to him. Long may he live to fill it. 

The Church of the Ascension is situated on Georgia street, between Napa 
and Sutter, and stands on an elevated knoll which commands a fine view of 
the harbor and surrounding country, and has a seating capacity of two hun- 
dred and fifty. A magnificent bell has been presented to it by Henry Sanger, 
Esq. Sunday services are held at 11 A. M., and Sunday-school at 2.80 p. m. 
There has been no evening service during the present winter. The members 
number eighty. The superintendent of the Sunday-school is Wilberforce 
Dudley ; the vestrymen — Professor W. F. Roe, Wilberforce Dudley, Thomas 
Thornton, J. W. Breed, A. S. Carman, S. R. English, John Harris, 0. W. 
Vanderlip, C. H. Hubbs, R. B. Loyall, and J. C. Edgecumbe ; the senior and 
junior wardens, and secretary and treasurer being respectively Messrs. 
Hubbs, Roe, Breed, and Thornton. 

First Regular Baptist Church. — This church was organized on November 
21, 18G9, a meeting being Convened by public notice calling on all those 
interested in establishing a regular Baptist church in Vallejo, to meet at 
Red Men's Hall. The Reverend W. W. Hickie was chosen moderator, and 
Eben Hilton, clerk. Each of the brethren and sisters herein named pre- 
sented themselves, and were accepted by each other in unanimous vote of 
fellowship for the purpose of organizing a gospel church, and being fellow 
members of the same : W. W. Hickie, Eben Hilton, Esther Hilton, Stephen 
Hathaway, Eleazer Frisbie, H. H. Dwyer, J. C. Voorhees, Anna Case, San- 
ford Baker, G. W. Morgan and wife. 

On motion of Mr. Frisbie, the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, as 
given in the Baptist Manual, published by the American Baptist Publication 
Society, Philadelphia, was read, and by unanimous vote, as follows : pastor, 
14 



210 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUXTY. 

Rev. W. W. Hickie ; deacons, H. H. Dw^-er and Eleazer Frisbie ; treasurer, 
Eben Hilton ; clerk, Sanford Baker, was adopted. The Rev. W. W. Hickie 
continued his labors with the church until June 1st, following, when he 
abandoned the profession, and public worship was discontinued until Dec- 
ember 2, 1870, when the church called the Rev. J. H. Ruby as a successor, 
and then commenced to hold worship in Farragut Hall ; and on June 13, 
1871, an unanimous call was extended to Mr. Ruby to become its pastor. 
He accepted, and continued in that capacity until September 1st, when he 
resigned. On November 17, 1871, the chui'ch called the Rev. E. B. Hatch 
to its pastorate. 

On January 7, 1872, the American Baptist Home Mission Society hav- 
ing granted material aid towards the building of a suitable house for public 
worship, a committee was appointed with power to solicit subscriptions for 
building the same. In November folloAving they reported having received 
subscriptions enough to warrant the commencement of a proper building, 
and that General J. B. Frisbie had donated a lot and executed a deed for 
the pui-pose ; but the piece of gi'ound not being in a desirable locality, it 
was thought best to purchase a plot on Capitol, between Marin and Sonoma 
streets. A committee to superintend the structure was chosen, and the 
work begun. On March 1, 1873, the church and lot, which had cost over 
$4,000, was dedicated to the service of God. 

The Rev. E. B. Hatch continued to be its pastor until February I, 1876, 
when, tendering his resignation, it was accepted. On that date the Rev. R. 
F. Pai"shall was appointed to the pastorate, and, entering upon his duties on 
March 26th, he continued to perform them imtil December 13, 1876, when he 
resigned. 

The church was without a pastor and public worship until April 1, 1877, 
when the Rev. T. A. Gill, Chaplain U. S. N., was oidered to the Navy Yard. 
On his arrival a committee was appointed to wait upon him, with the 
request that he preach on Sunday mornings, with which petition he cheer- 
fully complied and entered upon the duties for an indefinite period. Mr. 
Gill and his -wife labored with the chiuch until May 28, 1878, when he was 
detached from the Yard, thus leaving the church once moi-e witliout a 
pastor. At this juncture Rev. Frank B. Rose, U. S. N., Chaplain on board 
U. S. S. " Pensacola," volunteered his ser\nces and continued them until 
October 13, when he, too, left the district. On October 27, 1878, the Rev. 
E. H. Gray, D.D., was called from Washington, D. C, and he now directs 
the religious welfai-e of the Fii-st Regular Baptist Chiu-ch. 

The present membership of the church is sixty-nine, the officers being as 
follows : Pastor, Rev, E. H. Gray, D.D. ; Deacons, H. H. Dw^er, Eleazer 
Frisbie, and P. E, Jeffries ; Treasurer, H. H. Dwyer : Clerk, W. B. Yankirk ; 
Trustees, H. H. D\vj-er, Eleazer Frisbie, P. E. Jeffiiies, A McKannan, and 
W. B. Yankirk. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COl'NTT. 211 

The Sunday School connected with the church was organized February 
1, 1870, Henry Hall, Superintendent. In June, 1871, J. C. Voorhees was 
elected in that capacity, and filled it till January 1, 1879, when Mrs. Veeder 
was appointed and now holds the position. 

The Advent Christian Church of Vallejo. — The Advent doctrine was first 
inti'oduced into Vallejo by Elder D. D. Reid, of Santa Clara county, in the 
fall of 1870. The first sermon was preached in the Methodist church. The 
first series of meetings were held by Elder Miles Grant, of Boston, Mass., in 
the Presbyterian church, the pastor most warmly encouraging and supporting 
the good work. No attempt was at this time made to organize a church, as 
it was supposed the converts would be well nourished and fed by the pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church, who had been so blessed in the revival. But 
very soon after Elder Grant's departure he began to oppose the doctrines 
which had done so much good, and it became eA-ident that the belie vei-s 
must organize a church of their own. This was done on June 13, 1871, in 
the building known as George's Place, a building bought in New York and 
shipped around the Horn to San Francisco, set up and used in that city 
and then taken dowTi and removed to Vallejo. It had been used for the 
-s-ilest purposes of those early times, and it was indeed a novelty to hear 
^vithin its walls the voice of prayer, of praise, and of truth. The building 
had been thoroughly cleansed and refitted for its new work. 

The charter members were Job Washburn, Samuel Jamison, A. J. Young. 
Da\-id West, George Redden, Mrs. George Redden, Mrs. Statira Snow, Mrs, 
Ella P. Pettis, Mrs. Hannah P. Moore, and Mrs. A. J. Young. Many others 
were in sjTupathy with the organization, but did not unite till afterward. 
The officers consisted simply of a deacon and a clerk, Job K. Washburn and 
A. J. Young, respectivel)-, holding the positions. This church was organized 
under Elder D. D. Reid. The first pastor was Elder 0. R. Fassett, from Min- 
nesota, who had charge of the church for two years, preaching one-half the 
time ; while Mrs. Fa,ssett preached the other half. They resided in San 
Francisco. During this pastorate the chapel was built on Capitol Hill, on a 
lot donated by General J. B. Frisbie. (Lot 14, in block 306). It was a 
plain, unpi'etending structure 32x52, and cost about one thousand dollars. 
The house was dedicated on Sunday, March 2-1, 1872, Elders Fassett and 
Reid officiating. Experience soon proved the location of the chapel too 
inaccessible to the people, especially in the rainj- season, and it was decided 
to move it. In April, 1874, it was moved to Georgia street and located on 
lot No. 6, block 284, owned by Mr. Tripp and leased to the church for this 
purpose, where it still stands. One hundred and fifty persons in all, from 
time to time, have become members, but removals into other places have 
reduced the membership to fiftj', which has been the average number since 
the first year of its history. Elder H. F. Carpenter became pastor of the 



212 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COUKTT. 

church on July 1, 1S75, preaching his first sermon on July 4, and remains 
its pastor at the pi-esent time. February 21, 1870. During every year of 
his niinistiy he has done work of the most satisfying character and made 
many converts. The church has maintained three prayer meetings eveiy 
week, characterized by warmth of devotion ; while the Simday congregations 
have usually been very good. The chapel has been neatly refitted within, 
and. while the exterior is not paiticularly inviting, the iu,^rior is very 
pleasing and commodious. 

A Sunday-School was organized December 10, 1S71. which numbers at 
present between foi-ty and fifty members. Its interest and numbers are 
now iucreasing. Its present Superintendent is George W. Morton. The 
Chiu-ch. in spite of the severest financial depression, has been always enabled 
to meet its obligations without resorting to fairs, festivals, lott<?ries, grab- 
bags and other unwan-antable metliods, and is to-day out of debt. The 
present officers are: Samuel Jamison, Job K. Washburn. EUders : William 
H. PenneU, John Thompson, Deacons : John Pettis, Treasui-er : and Andrew 
J. Young, Clerk. 

Secret Societies, Associatioxs, Etc. — Yallejo is second to no other city 
in the Statue of California in the condition of its Lodges, save, perhaps, 
with the single exception of San Francisco. The Masonic Oi-der. as well 
as that of the Odd Fellows, is in a most flouiishing condition, while the 
benefits which they confer is dispensed with a due regard to the les.sons in- 
culcated by the several Orders. 

Xaidl Chapter, Xo. o5, B. A. M. — The above Chapter was organized 
under dispensation on May20, 1S6S, and gi-anted a chaiter on October 20th, 
of the same yeai\ its chartered members being : Lyman Leslie, J. M. Brown, 
B. J. Taylor, P. B. Miller, Dan. Harrington. Benjamin Benas. E. G. Moden, 
T. J. Ci-owlie and Philip Hichbom, the officers being Lyman Leslie, High 
Pi-iest ; J. M. Bi'own, King ; B. J. Taylor, Scribe. Since its fii-st institution 
the number of members has considerably augmented, there being now no 
fewer than ninety-four on the roU. The officers for the current year are : 
K P., M. Myei^; K., F. D. Mead ; S., R J. McDaniel; C. of H., Jonathan 
Bond ; P, S,", James Eoney ; R A C. E. K. Hohnes ; M. of 3d T., A B. 
Bertoschky ; M. of 2d Y., "o. H. Butler ; M. of 1st Y, J. K Jordan ; Guard, 
John Thompson. The Chapter meets on the second Wednesday of each 
month. 

KamJ Lodge, Xo. S7, F. i- A. M. — This is the oldest Lodge in Yallejo, 
and was organized under dispensation on July 17. lSo5. The first meeting 
was held on August 4. 1S55, when the following officere were appointed: 
William Wilmot, W. M.; Henry Hook, S. W.? Joseph R Bird, J. W.; 
Robert Brownlee, Treas.; William Aspenall, Secy.; L. W. Beau, S. D. ; Denis 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 213 

Meagher, J. D.; John Lee, Tyler. On May 7, 1856, the Charter -n-as 
granted, the members being Abraham Powell, W. M. ; William Aspenall, 
S. W. ; and Isaac Hobbs, J. W. The first meeting held imder the new 
chart<?r was convened on May 28, 1856, with Deputy Gi-and Master William 
S. Wells, presiding, when the following were elected to the various olRces : 
Joseph R. Bird. W. M.; Benjamin R. Mitchell, S. W. ; William Aspenall, 
J. W. ; Robert Bro\^Tilee, Trea-surer ; Alexander Gufiy, Secretary ; L. W. 
Bean, S. D. ; Denis, Meagher, J. D. ; and John Lee, Tj'ler. The present of- 
ficers are : W. M. Christian Theodore B. Hallen ; S. W., George William 
Simonton ; J. W., Martin J. Wright ; Treasurer, John E. Abbott ; Secretarj^ 
George F. Mallett ; S. D., William Brownlie ; J. D., James H. Jordan ; 
Stewards, Daniel W. Harrier andRimmer Johann Rimmers Aden ; Marehal, 
Andrew Jackson McPike ; Organist, Nathaniel G. Hilton ; Tjder, Henry 
Dexter; Trustees, John Brownlie, Martin J. Wright, George F. Mallett. 
The niunber of membere at present on the roll is one hundred and two. 
The Naval Lodge meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at the 
Masonic Hall, N. W. corner of Virginia and Maiin streets. 

Solano Lodge, Xo. ~~9, F. ct A. M. — Was organized under dispensation on 
May 14, 1873, and received the charter on £he ISth October, 1873, the 
chailored members being: John Quincy Adams, P.M.; Ellis Edward Hartwell; 
Frank E. Browii; Orren H. Butler; William Carter; Frank W. Cushing; 
John F. Denning; George C. Demmon; John K. Duncan; Joseph C. Edge- 
cumbe; John Farnham; John Frej'; William E. Frisbj-; Alden L. Hatha- 
way; F. D. Higson; Adam A. McAllistt^r; Edwin A. McDonald; Charles A. 
Moore; Mattison Myei-s, P. M.; William H. Pettis; George P. Plaisted; Am- 
brose J. Plummer; William F. Roe; John B. Robinson; Da\'id W. Rogers; 
George E. Sides; Edward T. Starr; George Thompson; Joseph F. Wendell; 
Jolin T. Wells and Jolin W. Winton. The officers under dispensation were: 
F. W. Cushing, W. M.; J. T. Wells, S. W.; W. H. Pettis, J. W.; E. T. Starr, 
Ti-easurer; A. L. Hatheway, Secretary; Rev. A. A. McAllister, Oiaplain; 
John Farnham, S. D.; George C. Demmon, J. D.; J. C. Edgecumbe, Marshal; 
Frank E. Brown, organist; 0. H. Butler, W. E. Frisbj-, Stewards; Henry 
Stahl, Tyler, who continued to hold office until the nest election. The 
Solano Lodge is in a tlom-ishing condition. There are seventj'-four members 
on the roll, who meet on the first Monday of each month. The present 
officers are: R. W. M., 0. H. Butler; S. W., James Roney; J. W., A. B. Ber- 
toschky; Treasurer, A. J. Plummer; Secretaiy, G. C. Demmon; S. D., D. M. 
McCool; J. D., J. W. Van Meeder; Mai-shal, John Han-is; Stewards, J. W. 
AYinton, D. M. Hilliard; and Tyler, John Thompson. 

Independent Order of Odd Felloirs, Golden State Lodge No. 216. — Was 
organized in 1872, the chartered members being: John Hamill; V.W. Beck- 
ford; I. M. Ruton; I. S. Halsey; F. J. Trapp; S. E. Wilson; S. N. Jamison; 



214 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COCNTT. 

A. Clark: C. H. Hubbs; Jos. Burton; C. H. Hodgkins; H. Bruce; M. M. 
Moore; J. P. Fraser; J. Hobbs; George Woods; M. Handford, and S. E. 
Wright. The first officers who served were: F.J. Trapp, N. G.; I. S. Halsey. 
V. G.; S. E. Wilson. R. S.; C. H. Hubbs. P. S.. and I. M. Ruton, Treasurer. 
This lodge is in a most flourishing condition, there being 130 members on 
its roll, the oflicers for the present year being: William Fraser. N. G.; John 
McDonald, T. G.; George W. Martin. R. S.: William Pressy, P. S.. and E. M. 
McDonald. Treasurer. Day of meeting, Wednesday of each week. Trus- 
tees, I. S. Halsey, C. H. Hubbs, and B. Benas. 

Knights of PyfMas, Washington Lodge. Ko. 7. — Of all the charitable 
organizations in the country, perhaps no other has labored imder greater 
disadvantages, and Avith more beneficial results, than the Knights of P_%-thias. 
The first lodge was organized in Washington, D. C, February 19, 1864, in 
the midst of civil strife, when society was in a disrupted stat<?, and all secret 
organizations considered political. Its importance and numbers have, how- 
ever, steadily advanced, and now its condition is most flourishing. 

Washington Lodge, of Yallejo, No. 7, was organized on September 17, 
1869, and is the only one in the State which can claim the honor of being 
organized by the Supreme Chancellor of the world. 

The number of chartered members was eighty-eight, while the fii-st ofli- 
cers who served were as under: 

C. C„ A. J, Perkins; V. C, C. M. Pricej R. S., A. C. Doan; F. S., R. S. 
WUliams; B., G. A. Poor; G., E. A. Hersey; I. S., John Kennedy; 0. S., 
J. W. Williams. 

The number of members on the roll for the present year is forty-two, 
while the officere elected on January- 1, 1879, were: P. C, J. Pincomb; C. C, 
H. M. Moore: T. C, C. H. Bennett; K. of R. and S.. J. W. Jeffi-ies; M. of 
E., H. Englebright: M. of F., Creorge A. Buxton; Prelate, J. W. Williams; 
M. at A, T. K. Watson; I. G., W. H. Kenyon; 0. G., H. J. Pelham. The 
Knights of P^-thias meet at Red Mens' Hall, every Thui-sday evening. 

Improved Order of Bed Men.Samoset Trihe, Xo. C?.?. — Was instituted June 
4, 1869. with the undermentioned chartered members : W. C Lemon : 0. L. 
Henderson ; H. J. Ford : C. M. Price ; Benjamin D. Egery : Philip Mager ; 
W. Williston ; J. Brownlie ; A. P. Alexander ; I. G. Martin ; L. M. Knibbs ; 
T. W. Woodward ; James Currier ; J. G. Smith : Henry Dexter : W. H. 
Green ; M. G. Winchell ; W. E. Bristow ; Joseph Andei-son ; James Boi-ton ; 
John LawTence : Wm. M. Starr ; Frank A. Leach ; J. H. Powell ; A. S. 
Carman ; L. C. Kincade ; John Thompson ; Van B. Smith ; John W. Wil- 
liams ; Frank R. Cumer ; James Frost; Martin J. Wright; John S. 
Souther ; Ed. D. G. Fields ; Aug. M. Street ; O. H. Bryant ; Edward W. 
O'Brien ; M. D. Tobin ; F. R. Arnold ; L. S. Patiiguin ; Charles E. Young ; 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 215 

0. K. Doan ; George Bassford ; George L. Quant ; M. C Whitney ; John C. 
Hale ; Thomas Evans ; James Blessington ; A. J. Chapman ; R. Caverly ; 
J. N. Sanct ; James Jordan ; Con. Lunney ; J. G. Cornwall ; A. J. Perkins ; 
C. B. Edwards ; W. M. Sullivan ; Charles J. Eger ; Wm. Moore ; F. C. 
Bageley ; D. M. McCool ; John Reidfee ; Wm. M. Stannus ; Thomas Mc- 
Farland ; Benjamin F. Pressey ; J. N. Stevenson ; A. J. McPike ; J. R. 
Hogan ; A. C. Doan ; John McCarthy ; Walter F. Patterson ; H. S. Chap- 
pellc ; John Lambert ; George A. Poor ; John Hesketh ; George P. Plais- 
ted ; N. D. Toby ; James G. Massey ; F. D. Higson ; N. Carmichael ; I. M. 
Ruton ; W. G. Walsh ; Milton Warner ; John McPhee ; James Carter ; 
Alexander Anderson. The officers of the Tribes first appointed were W. C. 
Lemon, Sachem ; 0. L. Henderson, Senior Sagamore ; H. J. Ford, Junior 
Sagamore ; C. M. Price, Chief of Records ; B. D. Egery, Keeper of Wam- 
pum ; P. Mager, First Warrior ; W. Williston, Second ; J. Brownlie, Third ; 
A. P. Alexander, Fourth ; J. G. Martin, First ; L. W. Knibbs, Second ; 0. C. 
Chamberlain, Third ; T. W. Woodward, Foui'th Braves ; James Currier, 
First ; J. G. Smith, Second Powwow ; Henry Dexter, Guard of Forest ; W. 
H. Green, Guard of the Wigwam ; M. G. Winchell, First ; W. E. Bristow, 
Second Sannap ; and Joseph Anderson, Prophet. The membership at one 
time reached 98, but there are now only 30 on the roll. The Order is in 
good standing ; it owns their hall furniture, a burial plot in the Union 
Cemetery, all of which property is unimcumbered, while the Tribe is free 
from any financial embarrassment. The officers for the year are : Sachem, 
Thomas Raines ; Senior Sagamore, Charles H. Bennett ; Junior Sagamore, 
P. McArdle ; Chief of Records, John E. Hubbard ; Keeper of Wampum, M. 
G. Winchell ; Financial Chief, James G. Smith ; Prophet, J. 0. Allison ; 
First Sannap, John W. Williams ; Second Sannap, B. D. Egery ; First War- 
rior, James Jury ; Second Warrior, James Blessington ; Third Warrior, Ed. 
W. O'Brien ; Fourth Warrior, 0. C. Chamberlain ; First Brave, James 
Frost ; Second Brave, R. W. Burton ; Third Brave, Alex. S. Smith ; Fourth 
Brave, John Lorson ; First Powwow, H. D. Richardson ; Second Powwow, 
Frank R. Currier ; Guard of the Forest, Van B. Smith ; and Guard of the 
Wigwam, Barnard Tissell. 

Grand Army of the Republic, Farragut Post, No. 12, G. A. R. — The 
objects and aims of the Association are attending to the sick and wounded 
soldiers who served honorably during the great rebellion ; the burial of 
their departed comrades, and to cherish and encourage friendly feelings for 
one another, which should animate the bosoms of all true patriots. This 
post was organized on February 19, 18G8, and re-organized in accordance 
with general orders from Head Quarters in August, 1869. The chartered 
members were Edward G. Haynes, William G. Oberend, N. C. McMegone- 
gal, R. L. Duncan, E. C. Taylor, E. H. Forrester, E. S. Jenkins, John Ashton, 



216 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Joseph Anderson and John L. Gamble, of whom Messrs. Duncan and Taylor 
are now deceased. The first officers elected to serve were J. L. Gamble, 
Post Commander ; W. G. Oberend, Senior Vice-Commander ; Ed. C. Taylor, 
Junior Vice-Commander ; Ed. G. Haynes, Post Adjutant ; E. H. Forrester, 
Quartermaster. The number of members at present on the roll is thirty- 
one while the officers for the present term are : Post Commander, George 
L. Voorhees ; Senior Vice-Commander, James Blessington ; Junior Vice- 
Commander, Thomas Rilej' ; Quartermaster, George A. Buxton ; Chaplain, 
John Smith ; Officer of the day, Robert K. Hall and Officer of the Guard, 
James L. Cilley. It is gratifying to remark that the funds of the Post are 
in a satisfactory condition, no less a sum than four thousand six hundred 
dollars having been paid out of its coffers between the date of its organiza- 
tion and January 1, 1879. 

Ancient Order of United Worknun, Vallejo Lodge No. 75.— This society, 
a new one in the State of California, was organized and chartered on the 
6th day of January, 1879. It has already a roll of eighty-three members, 
while its officers are : P. M. W., Samuel Kitto ; M. W., George F. Mallett ; 
G. F. M., G. Winchell ; 0., William McWilliams ; recorder, James G. Smith ; 
financier, Robert B. Barr ; receiver, S. S. Drake ; guide, G. W. Martin ; J. 
W., Chai-les H. Bennett , 0. W., George W. Edgecumbe. Days of meeting, 
Monday in every week. 

TJie " Vallejo Society of C<dlfoniia Pioneers." — -Was first established on 
the 27th of May, 1869, having for its object the cultivation of social inter- 
course and union among its members, and the creation of a fund for charit- 
able purposes in their behalf ; to collect and procure information connected 
with the early settlement and subsequent history of the county, and to form 
such libraries and cabinets, and pursue such literary and scientific objects as 
from time to time be determined, and in all appropriate matters to advance 
the interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy 
and enterprise induced them to settle in the wilderness and become foundei'S 
of a new State. The chartered members of the association were Thomas 
Aylward, Milo J. Ayers, Gustave Bergwell, Henrj' Buckland, Henry Clay- 
ton, Fred Coyan, Henry Englebright, George Edgar, George B. Edgecumbe, 
W. P. Edwards, John B. Frisbie, Thomas Gunderson, Alexander Gufty. 
Jacob F. Griffin, George Gordon, Joseph G. Garrison, R. D. Hopkins, J. 
Hamill, G. N. Hutchinson, I. S. Halsey, Isaac Hobbs, Henry Hendrickson, 
Paul K. Hubbs, John G. Hudson, Ernest Hauff, Charles C. Hall, W. D. 
Jones, Thomas Keating, John L. King, James R. Lee, Peter Laughran, John 

A. Lay, 0. A. Munn, Lyman Mitchell, Charles Murphy, James Mann, Wil- 
liam McKenna, F. Marion, John C. McLeod, W. Narvaez, Charles O'Donnell, 

B. T. Osborn, A. Powell, George A. Poor, R. Palmer, John Rose, William 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 217 

Rawson, John Roache, E. C. Reynolds, D. C. Ross, W. S. Ricker, J. Regan, 
0. H. Spencer, Henry Stege, Charles C. Southard, John Spruce, A. J. Shute, 
E. T. Seavy, W. H. Vandine, John Woodall, Thomas K. Watson, Edward 
Welsh, William Williams, John Ward. At this time General M. G. Vallejo 
vva»s elected an honorary member, while there were also admitted John Mor- 
gan, J. D. Cornwall, W. Sullivan, C. C. Hall, John Walker, C. M. Poor, W. 
C. Brooks, J. M. Findlay, J. V. Saunders, A. Strohsohl, E. B. Campbell, W. 
H. Cheever, J. C. French, J. H. K. Barbour, M. Morrison, A. Peterson, J. A. 
Carnahan, E. Whiting. The first officers elected were : president, John B. 
Frisbie ; vice-presidents, Paul K. Hubbs, Gustave Bergwell, Abraham 
Powell ; corresponding secretary, Robert D. Hopkins ; treasurer, Isaac S. 
Halsey ; directors, Isaac Hobbs, 0. H. Spencer, Thomas Aylward ; and mar- 
shal, Thomas K. Watson. 

Many of these early pioneers have long ago been gathered to their fathers, 
while there are still a few of the old-timers left whose grey hairs tell of 
Time's onward flight. They, too, will ere long be called upon to make the 
mysterious journey ; happily, therefore, that their sons still live to perpetuate 
the noble example set by their fathers in the establishment of so well fav- 
ored a society as is that of the California Pioneers. The number of members 
at present on the roll of the association is thirty-five, with Charles H. 
Hubbs, president ; George Nye, Frank Shirland, and W. S. Brooks, vice- 
presidents ; William P. Edwards, secretary ; Isaac S. Halsey, treasurer ; 
Thomas K. Watson, marshal, and Thomas Aylward, John C. McLeod, 
and J. A. Saunders, directors. The honorary members are General M. G. 
Vallejo, Captain Paul Shirley, and Rear-Admiral Enoch G. Parrott, of the 
United States Navy, and General John B. Frisbie. 

Vallejo Masonic Hall Association. — At a regular meeting of Naval 
Lodge, No. 87, F. & A. M., held at their hall in Vallejo on April 19, A. d. 
18C6, the following named persons were elected trustees to organize, incor- 
porate and manage the affairs of a joint-stock company, for the purpose of 
erecting a Masonic hall building in Vallejo, and that the names of the Trus- 
tees be P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan, Joseph L. Likins, Philip Hichbom, and 
Eben Hilton. 

The capital stock of the association was $8,000, divided into 320 shares of 
the par value of $25. The number of trustees, as provided in the Articles 
of Incorporation, to direct the afiairs of the association for three months, 
was five ; and the names of those gentlemen were these above-named. 

The annual meeting of stockholders was held on the second Wednesday 
evening in January, for their election. 

At the regular meeting of the stockholders the representation of at least 

a majority of the stock issued was neces.sary for the transaction of business. 

No shareholder could serve as a trustee unless he was a Master Mason in 



218 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

good standing, and was a member of some lodge within thirty miles of 
Vallejo, and the holder of at least two shares of stock. 

Dividends of the profits of the association were declared annually, at a 
regular meeting of the trustees. The By-Laws also provided that a divi- 
dend of the profits should not be declared to exceed 12 per cent, per annum 
on the capital stock issued. It was provided that all revenues exceeding 12 
per cent, per annum be reserved as a sinking fund for the redemption of 
the capital stock, and that Naval Lodge No. 87 shall have all the benefit of 
this sinking fund for the purpose of redeeming the stock of the association. 

Naval Lodge, No. 87, by the By-Laws, was to have the full control of 
the hall, ante-rooms, entrance-hall to the same, and all the upper part of 
the building, for the term of its existence, to occupy, lease, and rent the 
same, by paying to the association a monthly rent of twenty dollars, and a 
free lease of so much of lots seven and eight, at the corner of Virginia and 
Marin streets, as might be needed for the building and its uses. Thi-ee hun- 
dred and eighteen shares of the stock were issued and fully paid up, and 
the building was erected in the fall of 1866 by A. Powell, contractor, and 
A. H. Gunning, architect and superintendent. P. D. Grimes and Eben Hilton, 
at the election, were chosen president and treasurer, respectively ; and A. 
P. Voorhees, secretary of the first Board. 

At the annual meeting held January 23, 1867, P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan 
P. Hichbom, Eben. Hilton and A. Powell, vice J. L. Likins, were chosen 
Trustees. The new Board organized by electing the officers of the previous 
year, who were nominated to fill the same position year by year until 1871. 
In November, 1870, Mr. P. Hichbom, who was about to leave for the East- 
ern States, resigned, and at the regular annual meeting in the January fol- 
lowing, Messrs. P. D. Grimes, A. Powell, A. P. Voorhees, N. G. Hilton and 
John M. Browne were elected Trustees, Messrs. Grimes, Voorhees and N. 
G. Hilton being President, Treasurer and Secretary. On January 17, 1872, 
the same Trustees were elected, save Dr. J. M. Browne, whose place was 
filled by Alexander Hichbom, the same officers serving as on the previous, 
year. January 8, 1873, the same Board directed the affairs of the Associa- 
tion, excepting A. Hichbom, who was succeeded by J. M. Rutan, the same 
officers officiating. At the elections held on January 14, 1874, and 2.5, 
1875, there was no change in the direction. On January 12, 1876, Mr. 
Powell gave place to Mr. Charles Daly, while on that of January 19, 1877, 
Dr. I. S. Halsey was elected in the place of Mr. Daly, no other change 
being made. An adjoui-ned meeting was convened on February 11, 1878, 
when the following were elected Trustees : I. S. Halsey, George F. Mallett, 
J. M. Rutan, John Brownlie and George W. Simonton, Messrs. Rutan, 
Brownlie and Simonton being subsequently called upon to fill the res- 
pective positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary, while on January 
14, 1879, no change was made save by filling Dr. Halsey 's place on the 
Board by the return of C. T. B. Hallin. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 219 

Tke Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Association of the City of Val- 
hjo. — The preliminaries to the incorporation of the above Association were 
instituted in January, 1875, when Naval Lodge, No. 87, F. and A. M. ; 
Solano Lodge, No. 229, F. and A. M. ; San Pablo Lodge, No. 43, I. 0. 0. F., 
and Golden State Lodge, No. 216, I. 0. O. F., appointed a Committee 
consisting of the following gentlemen, viz. : George F. Mallett, to represent 
Naval Lodge; Frank E. Brown, to represent Solano Lodge; Anson Clark, 
to represent Golden State Lodge, and Sylvester Warford, to represent San 
Pablo Lodge ; authorizing them to select and enter into a contract for the 
purchase of a tract of land suitable for a cemetery for the exclusive use 
of Masons and Odd Fellows, to inter the remains of their brethren and 
their wives and children. 

In pursuance with that authority, the Committee seclected a tract of 
land owned by Ira Austin, containing about fifteen acres, and made their 
report to the various Lodges, who reappointed the same gentlemen to serve 
as a Committee, with power to add a fifth member whereby a Board of 
Trustees should be constituted, with power to enter into and incorporate 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Association of the City of Vallejo. 

In accordance with instructions, the Committee met at the office of S. G. 
Hilborn, Esq., on February 20, 1875, and appointed Peter D. Grimes as 
Trustee, after which a Board was organized with the following officers : 
P. D. Grimes, President ; Anson Clark, Treasurer ; and George F. Mallett, 
Secretary. On February 23, 1875, the Articles of Incorporation were re- 
ceived from the Secretary of State, the text of which is given below, 
stating the object for which the Association is formed, and authorizing 
Messrs. Grimes, Clark, Warford, Brown and Mallett to serve as Trustees 
until their successors be elected and qualified. 

Articles of Incorporation of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme- 
tery ASSOCLATION of THE CiTY OF VaLLEJO. 

1. The name of the corporation is the Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme- 
tery Association of the City of Vallejo. 

2. The purpose for which it is formed is to purchase and hold a tract of 
land near the City of Vallejo, in Solano county, State of California, and to 
establish and maintain a cemetery thereon. 

3. That its principal place of business is the City of Vallejo, Solano 
county, California. 

4. That the term for which it is to exist is fifty years. 

5. That the number of its Directors or Trustees be five. 

The annual meeting for the election of Trustees and the transaction of 
general business is held on the last Tuesday in the month of March, and it 
is ordained that no person may be a Trustee unless he be a Mason or Odd 



220 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Fellow in good standing, or the owner of a lot. Each Lodge is entitled to 
a vote for the election of a Trustee, a like privilege being also held by the 
lot owners. 

St. Vincent's Benevoknt- Society. — This Society is formed for the purpose 
of promoting each other's temporal and spiritual welfare ; for aflbrding 
spiritual consolation and substantial aid to its members in time of sickness, 
and securing to them, after death, decent and Christian interment, in accord- 
ance with the faith of the Holy Catholic Church ; for the performance of 
works of mercy and charity towards distressed persons of the parish, and 
encouraging each other, by good example, in the duties of Christian life, and, 
above all, the exercising of a spirit of fraternal charity. The establishment 
of this most meritorious association was effected on February 3, 18G7, 
having, for its first officers : John Louis Daniel, O. P., Chajjlain ; Michael 
S. Derwin, President ; Daniel J. Brennan, Vice-President ; John L. Daniel, 
0. P., Bursar ; Michael J. Cunningham, Secretary ; the members of the 
Council, being : James Doyle, Edward McGettigan, Lawrence Walsh, Hugh 
Cunningham, John Ferryman, Daniel Wynn, James McGarvey, John Cron- 
nin and John Kennedy. The organizers of the St. Vincent's Benevolent 
Society, were : Lawrence Walsh, Ed. McGettigan, Hugh Cunningham, D. J. 
Brennan, Thomas L>aich, Patrick Crawley, Thos. Woods, Daniel Hayes, Jas. 
McGarvey, Edward O'Malley, Peter Lyden, John Leary, Benjamin Martin, 
Thos. Ryan, Peter Bourke, Robert Casey, Charles White, John Walsh, Henry 
Buckland, Anthony Murray, W. J. Cunningham, James Doyle, Thos. Gan- 
non, Thos. Grannen, John Casey, Owen Behan, H. B. Hendi'ickson, John 
Crannin, John McManus, Thos. HoUern, Daniel Wynn, Thos. Kenney, Pat- 
rick O'Malley, John Mullin, John McGuire, Richard Walsh, John Kennedy, 
John Ferryman, Nicholas Clavo, Richard Palmer, Edward LjTich, Bartholo- 
mew Turner, Patrick Kelly, Patrick Lynch, John Hurley, Joseph Sullivan, 
Patrick Murphy, Lawi-ence Barry, Patrick Crotty, Henry Knowles, John 
Brennan, Thos. Carroll, Patrick Delehunty, Chas. Cunningham, Angus 
Mclnnes, Denis Driscol, Wm. Browier, Wm. Flynn, Michael Sullivan, James 
Toland, Patrick Tracy, John Wise, James Lane, C. Quinlan Henry McCul- 
lough, T. J. Baldwin, Daniel Donovan, Lawrence Dempsey. Honorary 
Members — Michael Derwan, Edward C. Doran, Lieut. F. Harrington, John 
Di-ennan, John O'Gi-ady, Patrick Londregan, and Mrs. Lawi-ence Walsh. 

It is gratifying to announce that this Society is in a most prosperous con- 
dition, financially, and other^\^se. The office bearers for the present term, 
are : P. C. Lynch, President ; M. L. Kelly, Vice-President ; John Cunning- 
ham, Secretary ; Council Members — Robert Couerdale, Patrick Tracy, 
Charles Barr, James Costello, Hugh Cunningham, Thomas Smith, James 
McGarvey, Nicholas Clavo, James Mitchell, Timothy Conners, Thomas Reed. 
The number of active members are 127 ; Life Members, 1, ■with 3 Honorary 
Members. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 221 

Vallejo Post Office. — This office comes under the second-class post offices 
of the United States, and carries with it a salary of $2,100 per annum. It 
is also a money order office, transacting business in domestic, British, and 
Italian orders. It receives and despatches seven mails per day : Mails fi-om 
San Francisco and Sacramento twice a day, and Eastern mails every even- 
ing. Issues about 2,500 money orders, amounting to about $60,000 a year, 
and pays about $6,000 in the same time. The first money order issued was 
dated May 20, 1867 ; while the date of the first one paid was the 27th of 
the same month. This post office registers on an average 1,100 letters in a 
twelve-month ; receives about 800 letters daily and forwards nearly the 
same number ; has 400 lock-boxes ; while the total receipts for stamps, etc.^ 
is in the vicinity of $5,000 yearly. The present officers in charge of this 
establishment are M. J. Wright, Postmaster, and W. F. Wright, Deputy, 
gentlemen of much merit and extreme courtesy. Appended is a list of 
appointments, obtained from the Post Office Department at Washington, 
since the establishment of the office at Vallejo : Eleazer Frisbie, January 
19, 1855 ; Wm. W. Chapman, March 3, 1857 ; Joseph S. Mclntyi-e, May 
28, 1860 ; Edson J. Wilson, June 28, 1861 ; Edwin H. Sawyer, January 
27, 1864 ; George P. Wescott, June 17, 1864 ; Edson J. Wilson, Decem- 
ber 27, 1865 ; James E. Ryan, June 5, 1868 ; Miss Mary J. Falls, April 
16, 1869 ; Edson J. Wilson, October 23, 1869 ; Martin J. Wright, December 
10, 1873, reappointed January 25, 1878. 

Homestead Associations. — Of all the important features necessary to 
be observed in the progress of a rapidly-rising city, the organization of home- 
stead associations is one which bears a satisfactory impress, for these, by 
consolidated capital and united effort, place it within the reach of every 
industrious person to obtain a tract of land that he can call his own, where- 
on he may erect that typical castle which is usually held to be sacred 
against the aggressions of the outside world. By a payment of a small sum 
into the capital stock, and the disbursement of a trifling amount in stated 
assessments, one and all may, through this channel, which is within the 
grasp of each and every one, become, in a short time, the possessor of a site 
for a homestead free from encumbrances of any kind. To the proprietors or 
shareholders, associations of this nature have always been of benefit ; while 
the advance of real estate, secured in this manner, has been marked and 
rapid, the investments in nearly all instances having proved safe and 
profitable. 

The Vallejo Homestead Association was incorporated on April 25, 1867, 
under the direct auspices of the following gentlemen : Elisha Whiting, 
George W. Simonton, J. F. Smith, William C. Root, H. B. Bell, M. L. Torn- 
bohm, and Sanford C. Baker ; Mr. Whiting being elected President, and Mr. 
Simonton Secretary and Treasurer. 



222 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The capital stock of the Association was $27,000, and was to continue in 
existence for the term of three years, from and after the date and the filing 
of the certificate, as above stated. 

Each member taking a share of stock paid into the treasury two dollars 
on each share taken, as a fund for defraying the current expenses of the 
Association, and five dollars per month, in advance, on each share, to be 
known as the " Homestead Fund," to be used in the purchase of land and 
improvements thereon. 

At the regular monthly meeting, held July 13, 1867, an election of officers 
was held, resulting in the returning of E. Whiting, President ; G. W. Simon- 
ton, Secretaiy and Treasurer, and five Directors, viz : J. F. Smith, H. K. 
Snow, M. L. Tornbohm, H. B. Bell, and W. \V. Skinner, who held office until 
the annual meeting of the stockholders, which was held on the first Monday 
in May of each year. 

The By-Laws provided for a standing committee of three members of the 
Board of Directors, to attend to all matters relative to investment in real 
estate, title, pi-ice, terms of sale, etc., and the President appointed J. F. Smith, 
E. Whiting, and M. L. Tornbohm. 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, convened on June 24, 1867, it was 
ordered that the report of the committee on the purchase of land be adopted, 
viz : " That we purchase of General J. B. Frisbie five full blocks of land 
situate in the town of Vallejo, and numbered on map of said town, blocks 
392, 394., 395, 398, and 899, containing eighty lots 50x130 feet, at a cost of 
$8,000. 

Thirty lots in blocks 396, 397, and 400 were bought on October 12, 1877, 
at the same rate as first purchase, viz : $3,000, making in all one hundred 
and ten lots. 

On November 9, 1867, the land was distributed among the shareholders 
by drawing for choice of lots, with the understanding, which was voted 
in public meeting, that, as the Association had been at the expense of fenc- 
ing in the property, those drawing corner lots should defray the extra cost 
of inclosing the same, to the extent of ten dollars. 

The lots, when fully paid up, including the outlay of fencing, recording 
deed, and other incidental expenses, cost the holders $122 25 for corner lots, 
and for those on the inside $112 25. 

Many of the owners, in the fall of 1867 and the following season, built 
houses and made other improvements, so that in thiee or four yeai-s nearly 
every lot had its comfortable home, and to-day the property is one of the 
prettiest in the city of Vallejo. 

Vallejo Land and Improveiment Company. — This company was incor- 
porated on the 27th day of October, 1871, with a capital stock divided into 
40,000 shares, of $100 each, the whole capital being $4,000,000. The ob- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 223 

jects of the corporation were to purchase, and sell, and convey lands in 
the county of Solano; to erect and maintain wharves and docks on the 
same for the purposes of manufactures, trades, business and commerce; to 
reclaim lands, purchase and otherwise improve the same by buildings, fix- 
tures and erections, to be placed thereon for warehousing and other pur- 
poses ; to lay out public streets, avenues, boulevards, squares and pleasure- 
grounds across, over and upon the land purchased, and dedicate the same 
to the public use. It was then declared that the time of existence of said 
company should be fifty years, and the following trustees were elected to 
manage the afl!airs of the company, viz.: John B. Frisbie ; Faxton D. Ather- 
ton; Leland Stanford; Milton S. Latham; Alexander De Laski, and E. 
H. Green; the officers being: President, John B. Frisbie; Vice President, F. 
D. Atherton ; Secretarj^ J. K. Duncan ; Treasurer, Milton S. Latham. 

The first annual report of the company puts forth the state of the associa- 
tion as being most flourishing. When submitted, on January 17, 1872, their 
property consisted chiefly of 2,000 acres of land in and near the town of 
Vallejo, the value of which was estimated at nearly 83,000,000. One thou- 
sand acres were situated within the town limits, including much in the best 
localities, and six hundred acres along the water-front. The portion lying 
inside the town limits was laid out in lots, while the balance was suburban 
lands, and other tracts of considerable value. At this time the prospects of 
Vallejo had reached its zenith, and the relapse which has since occurred was 
not then deemed probable. 

Throughout the following years the Vallejo Land and Improvement Com- 
pany has been on the wane, monetarily speaking. Owing to the declension 
of trade, and other losses, the association is not in as flourishing a condition 
as might be expected, yet there is every prospect of its recovering the 
ground lost. Its property is unquestionably valuable. It owns large ware- 
houses in most desirable localities, which cannot but prove advantageous in 
the near future. 

The Board of Trustees for the year 1878 are: Hon. S. G. Hilbom, Vallejo; 
Messrs. E. J. Wilson, A. T. Robinson, Vallejo; Hon. C. Hartson, Napa; and 
Messrs Edmund R. WHiite, and J. K. Duncan, of San Francisco and Vallejo; 
while the officers are: President, Hon. S. G. Hilborn; Vice President, E. J. 
Wilson; Treasurer, Hon. C. Hartson, and Secretary, J. K. Duncan. 

Vallejo City Water Company. — Was incorporated in 1870. The present 
directorship is: Messrs. A Chabot, of Oakland, President; Louis Pierce, 
and J. C. Edgecumbe, Superintendents; J. E. Abbott, Secretary, and A. J. 
McPike, Cashier, Book-keeper, and acting Superintendent. 

The main reservoir of the company is situated near the Napa road, three 
miles north of the city, being constructed on a portion of 425 acres pur- 
chased by the company at a sum of 342,000. The dam covers an extent of 



224 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

160 acres; it is three hundred feet wide, by forty feet high, with 150 feet at 
the base, and 100 feet at the apex. Its capacity is said to be 8 or 900,000,- 
000 gallons. From this immense receptacle the fluid is conducted to the 
city through twelve-inch cast-iron pipes, and tlience distributed by branch 
pipes aggregating more than sixteen miles in length. The town is M^atered 
by two systems of piping, as follows: On the top of Capitol Hill there is a 
reservoir which is filled by means of pumping, and thereafter distributed 
by lesser pipes to those high positions which the water from the main reser- 
voir will not reach. The pump in use is a No. 8 Hooker, driven by a sixty- 
horse-power engine, and has a pumping capacity of about 500,000 gallons 
in the twenty-four hours. Where the pump is located there is yet another 
reservoir which has a capacity of 200,000 gallons, and is used to feed 
the dam on the summit of the hill, when there is not sufficient pressure 
from the main reservoir. The company also supplies the Mare Island 
Navy Yard with 1,000,000 gallons per mensem, transmitted by means 
of a sub-marine cast-iron pipe with flexible joints, a distance of two thou- 
sand feet, across the bed of the Napa River. This water is used for irri- 
gating purposes, as well as through the buildings and machine-shops,and with- 
out doubt its acquisition has been a great saving to the government. Be- 
sides this vast supply, the company provides the railway establishments, the 
flour-mills, and the steamers which ply to San Francisco, with water. From 
thirty to sixty ships per annum, after loading with grain, fill their tanks 
from the company's pipes ere sailing for foreign lands, while the home con- 
sumption amounts to fully three-fourths of the population. 

The elevation of the main dam is eighty feet above the level of the sea; 
that on the hill is one hundred and fifty feet. In conclusion, there is an 
admirable system, whereby, in case of fire, connection is made between the 
Capitol Hill dam and the main pipes, which gives a pressure of 150 feet; 
besides, in this regard, thirty five hydrants, of the very latest patterns, have' 
been placed at the most convenient street-comers. 

Vallejo Gas Light Ccmi^awy— Incorporated July 23, 1867, with a capital 
of $40,000, under the Directorship of J. B. Frisbie, President, and Harvey 
W. Snow, Secretary. The Company erected their first buildings on Main 
street, near the water front, by contract, for the whole of the original cap- 
ital of §40,000, but these have given place to more spacious ofiices on Mary- 
land, between Marin and Sonoma streets. In November, 1871, the capital 
stock of the Company was increased to $250,000, when a new Retort 
House was built to contain fifteen retorts capable of yielding 60,000 cubic 
feet of gas per day. The consumption, however, is about 10,000 feet 
daily. Gas is distributed through the city in main pipes aggregating about 
five miles in length, which was first brought into requisition to light the 
town towards the end of 1867. The present officers are J. K. Duncan 
President ; Hon. S. G. Hilborn, Secretary ; and P. B. Fegan, Superintend- 
ent, who has held the position since the first organization of the Company. 





3^ 



^^■^<y^(^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 225 

Bank of Vallejo — Was incorporated on September 25, 1876, with an 
authorized capital of $150,000, under the management of D. W. Harrier as 
President, and J. E. Abbott, Cashier, with Eben Hilton, Josej^h Wilson, 
Thomas Matthews, J. G. Edgecumbe, W. C. Greaves, N. Vanderlip, D. W. 
Harrier, John Brownlie, Charles Widemann, as Directors. The present 
management is as follows : W. C. Greaves, President ; S. C. Farnham, Vice- 
President ; J. E. Abbott, Secretary and Cashier ; F. D. Mead, Assistant 
Cashier, the Board of Directors being W. C. Greaves, S. C. Farnham, J. E. 
Abbott, John Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Charles Widemann, G. B. Richart, 
C. Hallin and 0. C. Chamberlain. 

The Bank of Vallejo transacts its business in the Bernard Block, situated 
on Georgia street, where it carries on a general banking and exchange 
business. Draws on National Gold Bank and Trust Company of San 
Francisco. 

The Vallejo Savings and Com/mercial Bank. — This Bank was incor- 
porated on May 3, 1870, with an authorized capital of S300,000, under the 
management of J. B. Frisbie, President, and Henry Mackie, Cashier, the 
Directors being J. B. Frisbie, H. Mackie, J. F. Tobin, Capt. C. H. Baldwin, 
U. S. N., L. C. Fowler, D. C. Haskin and Edward McGettigan. The present 
management is under E. J. Wilson, President, with J. R. English, Cashier, 
the Board of Directors being E. J. Wilson, C. Hartson, A. T. Robinson, M. 
Fletcher, P. W. Dillon, J. K. Duncan and S. G. Hilborn. 

The building in which the Bank transacts its business is an imposing 
structure, standing on the northwest comer of Georgia and Sacramento 
streets, where it does a general banking and exchange business. Cor- 
responds with Wells, Fargo & Co., of New York and San Francisco. 

Pioneer Brewery, Messrs. Smith, Lessees — Is situated on the northeast 
comer of Marin and Carolina streets, and was established in 1862 under the 
name of the Vallejo Brewery, by Edward McGettigan, his partners being 
A. Murray and J. McGarvey. Under the exigencies of trade the building 
was brought to the hammer in 1865, when it was bought by Mr. McGet- 
tigan who rebuilt and put new machinery into it and changed its appella- 
tion to the Pioneer Brewery, which it now bears. As a brewing establish- 
ment it ranks second to none in the State. 

The main building occupies an area of 60x80 feet, and is one story high, 
with a basement, in the latter of which is the Malt floor and fermenting 
tubs, the up-stairs being devoted to the malt kiln, malt mill, hop and sample- 
rooms, while there is in use a patent refrigerator, one of three on the coast. 
In connection with the brewery there are the usual out-houses of stables, 
sheds, and other buildings, all of which are in excellent condition. The 
bee'r made by the establishment is a strong and healthful beverage, for 
which a large sale is found in Napa, Calistoga and the other interior towns, 
while the home consumption is quite an item, the demand being always on 
the increase. 
15 



226 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COL'XTT. 

Empire Soda Works. — O'Grady & Co., proprietors, is a two-storied frame 
building, standing on the corner of Sonoma and Florida streets, covering an 
area of SOx-iO feet. The tii-st floor is divided into two parts, one being occu- 
pied as a saloon, run Ln connection with the business ; while, in the other, 
stands a soda machine, by Smith, of San Francisco, with a capacity of 
twentv-five gallons, and capable of manufacturing five hundred bottles of 
soda water per diem. The reservoir connects with a patent bottling and 
corking machine, made by John Matthews, of New York. There is also a 
patent bottle-washer on the premises. The former machine is the only one 
in the district, a royalty of S75 per month being paid on it ; while a charge 
of about S398 had to be met before the use of it was permitted in the 
county. In the winter months the consumption of soda is necessarily 
smaller than in summer ; but seventy-five dozen per diem may be taken as 
the average out-turn. All kinds of effervescing liquors, such as cider, por- 
ter, gingerale, and lemonade, are bottled on the works ; while they have a 
good business both in town and country, with every prospect of its exten- 
sion to the adjacent counties. The present pi-emises have only been occupied 
since 1866, the original works having been erected fourteen years ago, by E. 
McGettigan, on the comer of Sonoma and Carolina sti'eets, who has now 
sold out of the business. 

The Vallejo Foundry and Machine Works — Is the first establishment 
of its kind started in Vallejo. It stands, according to the new survey, at 
the south-east coi-ner of Block No. 791. This building is situated in South 
Vallejo, and was erected in August, 1869, by the entei-prising firm of Heald 
& McCormick. In IST'i however, the former gentleman purchased the in- 
terest of the latter, since when, the business has been carried on by Mi". 
Heald alone. It is a source of gratification to remark that since the first 
establishment of the undertaking, it has generally increased in impoi-tance, 
the work turned out being first-class. A specialty is made of Straw Burn- 
ing Threshing Machines ; while nearlj^ all the rolling stock of the California 
Pacific Railroad is manufactiu'ed on the premises. Eveiy class of machin- 
ery can be designed and moulded there ; the proprietor taking a just pride 
in securing all the latest improvements in each department of his business. 
The woi'ks employ continuously, a stafi' of twenty workmen; the capital 
invested is about §20,000 ; while a general business is done to the extent of 
S75,000 per annum. The machinery employed on the premises is of first- 
class workmanship, and is di'iven by an engine of 26 hoi-se-power. 

Pioneer Sash, Doors and Blind Factory — Situated on Block No. 752, 
at the corner of Rice and Fifth streets. South Vallejo, was established" by 
the present proprietors, Messrs. D. G. Barnes &; Co., in the year 1869, on the 
premises which they now occupy. This is the only branch of the industiy 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 227 

in the city, to which it does much credit. The building is of wood. The 
The capital employed is entirely invested by the proprietors, who employ 
ten men on the premises. They turn out all kinds of mouldings, and 
house furnishings, as well as making, for the grape-growing districts of 
Napa and Sonoma, a large number of wine and water tanks. The machin- 
ery is worked by a steam engine, made by William Reardon & Co., of 
Brooklyn, N. Y. This factory is the first of its kind erected in Vallejo; 
and from the position which it holds, and the easy access it has to communi- 
cation, both by steamer and rail, in a country which is daily increasing in 
population, the efforts of the proprietors are being rewarded by a thriving 
and increasing business. 

Solano Brewery — Is located on the corner of Kentucky street, on north 
half of lots 1 and 2, block 264. It was erected in the year 1870 and is 
bmlt of brick, the area covered being 42x88 feet. On the ground floor is 
the Sample Room 40x24, with the beer cellar immediately under it of the 
same demensions ; adjoining the former is the brewing room 40x24 containing 
the furnace and malt tub. On the second story there is a brewing tub 
capable of holding sixteen barrels, besides which there is a separate store 
room built of brick 42x30. The entire premises were constructed by 
Messrs. Wideniann & Rothenbusch, the present proprietors, at a cost of 
about $24,000. Tliis is the largest brewery in Vallejo and has its principal 
custom within the city limits. 

Pioneer Marble Works. — James Doyle, proprietor of the above works 
occupies a one story wooden structure measuring 100x25 feet with a yard 
attached. He employs two men who dress the rough stone into monuments, 
mantel-pieces and other work of a like nature. The marble used is im- 
ported in its natural state from San Francisco while the granite is brought 
from the Penryii quarries. Placer county, in this State. Mr. Doyle no longer 
works at this branch of industry ; he is Constable for the city of Vallejo. 
The business was first started in 1862. 

Fan'agut Hall. — This commodious hall was built by the late Admiral D. 
G. Farragut in the year 1869 on Georgia street. Its dimensions are 50x80 
feet ; in the northern or upper end of which there is a stage fitted with all 
appropriate paraphernalia for theatrical representations, besides five dressing 
rooms. The original size of the building was too small, so 30 feet were 
added to it making one of the largest rooms in the county. It is lit by a 
sun burner gas jet in the center while brackets are placed at intervals 
along the walls. It is well ventilated and built of brick. All public meet- 
ings, social and political are usually held here, it having a seating capacity 
of eisht hundred. 



228 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The Alert Boat Club was organized July 16, 1872, by A. J. Brownlie, 
W. S. Risley, Osgood Hilton, Wm. McDonald and A. J. McKnight. 

It immediately began operations by electing new members and building 
their first boat, which was done by the members themselves in the old 
United States Hotel. The first race rowed was between crews from the 
Riversides of Sacramento, and the first crew of the Alerts on January 1, 
1873, the Riversides entering R. C. Lowell, W. Bany, W. A. Butterfield and 
H. Thiel ; the Alerts, Jno. Reed, W. S. Risley, James Kane and Wm. Mc- 
Donald. This race was for a set of racing oars, and was won by the River- 
sides by ten boat lengths. 

The next race occurred the same day between crews of Farragut Boat 
Club of South Vallejo, and the junior crew of the Alert. The Farragut 
seating Jas. A. Lamont, A. S. Carman, M. Dozier, Jno. T. Dare, and Alerts, 
A. J. Brownlie, A. J. McKnight, H. E. Brown and Geo. Gorham. This race 
was for a set of boat-house colors, and was won easily by the Alerts, beating 
their opponents one-quarter of a mile. Shortly after this the Alerts sent 
east for a four-oared paper shell, which airived in due time and was the 
only foui--oared paper boat on the Coast. With this boat they entered the 
grand regatta held in Vallejo July 4, 1873. 

The first race that day was for the second class four-oared boats. The 
Alerts and Pioneers entering. The distance was one and a half miles and 
return, making three miles, which distance was rowed by the Alerts in 
22-8, beating the Pioneers badly. Next race for first class single scidlers. 
Wm. Daily of the Alerts being entered against two others of San Francisco. 
This was won by Daily by half a length, it being the best race of the day. 
Third race for second class single scullers. W. S. Risley and Austin Steven- 
son of the Alerts being matched against three other boats from other clubs. 
The honor of this race also was the Alerts, for Risley won easily, Steven- 
son also of the Alerts, second. The grand race of the day was for four- 
oared boats, there being in all seven entries. The Alerts entering J. J 
Smith, G. E. Taylor, W. S. Risley and Wm. Daily. The Riversides won 
this race, nearly all the other boats having been swamped in the rough 
water. The Farraguts of South Vallejo coming in second. Shortly after 
this a set of champion colors for Vallejo waters was purchased jointly by 
the Fan-agut and Alert clubs of Vallejo, and the first race was rowed for 
these on January 1, 1874. The Farragut boys winning by two seconds or 
half a boat's length in 21-29|. 

On June 6, 1874, another race for the colors was rowed by the same 
clubs. This being won by the Alerts in 21.20, beating the other boat 175 
yards. 

Nothing more in the rowing line was done until October, 1878, when 
the Alert Club was represented by A. J. McKnight, Chas. B. Bond, Richard 
McKnight and A. J. Brownlie at Oakland in the race for the McKinley 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 229 

Challenge Cup. Here the Alerts were unfortunate, having made a poor 
.start, a worse turn, and breaking a seat on their road home. They came in 
third however, making good time. 

Thanksgiving day at Vallejo was the scene of another boating contest 
between the junior crews of the Farragut and Alert Clubs. The Farragut's 
boat being rowed by Jno. T. Dare, H. D. Lazelle, Chas. Morse and Henry 
Gedge, and the Alerts by Geo. B. Hanna, Geo. Roe, Lyle Roe and Osgood ' 
Hilton. The race was rowed for the honors, and resulted in a complete 
victory for the Alert boys, they having distanced their competitors and 
winning in 20-30f , the be.st three mile time ever made on this Coast. 

The Alert Club membership is composed of some of the finest young men 
in the place ; in numbers, 28. The Club owns their boat-house which is 
situated on Georgia street wharf, one four-oared wood shell, one four-oared 
paper shell, one racing barge, lately built, and launched February 21, 1879. 
She is a beauty and pronounced (by those who are good judges) likely to be 
very speedy. There is also in the boat-house two Rob Roy Canoes of Mc- 
Gregor model and fame. Value of Club property, $1,300. 

Present officers : Frank B. Lemon, President ; Frank T. Winchell, Vice- 
President ; A. J. McKnight, Secretary ; Wm. McDonald, Treasurer ; Geo. 
Gorham, Captain. 

This Club was not organized for gain financially, but to promote good 
feeling among its members, encourage boating, and benefit all by the physi- 
cal exertion necessary in rowing. They do not row for money, but for the 
honors of the occasion. 

The Club appears to be in a flourishing condition and is rapidly increas- 
ing in numerical strength, while it is growing in the esteem of the people. 

Hotels. — There is no city on the Pacific Coast which is so well pro- 
vided with accommodation for the traveler as is Vallejo, indeed some of 
these structures are a feature of the town, while the principal hotel would 
do credit to a place of double the pretensions. The first hotels, already men- 
tioned in this work, have long ceased to enfold the weary traveler in their 
hospitable arms. Some of the original buildings still stand, as it were to 
mark the course of time, while others have been pulled down to make way 
for more eligible structures, or been utterly wiped out by the devouring 
flames which have on occasion visited the city. 

Barnard Hoxune — .Chief among the present hotels is this elegant build- 
ing occupying an area of liSOxlSO feet, on Georgia, the principal business 
street in Vallejo. It was completed and opened on August 10, 1872, by 
John M. Staples, the present proprietor of the Arcade House in San Fran- 
cisco. The Bernard House is a large, square building, containing forty-five 
bed rooms, a large dining room up stairs, and a restaurant on the ground 



230 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COUXTT. 

floor. It is fitted with every modem improvement necessary for the com- 
fort of visitors, and has two entrances, one on Georgia, the other on Sacra- 
mento street. The street car passes it on its way to the railroad depot twice 
a day, and the rate for board and lodging varies from two to three dollars 
per diem. The present proprietor is Adrian H. Izirar, who is a most popu- 
lar landlord. 

Th-e Howard House, situated on 116 and 118 Georgia street, was com- 
menced in September and finished in December, 1876. Has a frontage of 
50 feet, and can accommodate 1.50 gueste with comfort. It derives its name 
from Amos Howard, its first proprietor, who died a few months after its 
completion, the business being now carried on by his widow and her present 
husband, R. J. Harrington. 

In addition to these there are the Sherman House, Washington House, 
and others, which aU find ample patronage from the employes on the Navy 
Yard. 

Newspapees. — The VaUejo Chronicle was founded by F. A. Leach and 
William Gregg, the first issue being printed June 20, 1867. It appeared 
as a weeklj' edition of modest size and pretensions, and was continued as a 
weekly until November. 1868, when the present daily was established. In 
April, 1869, Mr. Leach bought the interest of his associate and became sole 
proprietor of the establishment. On assuming the full control he began the 
issue of the Weekly Chronicle, which had been suspended by the daily. 
The politics of the paper, which owing to the conflicting principles of the 
two proprietors had before been independent, were changed, and it became 
independent Republican, and has ever since steadily advocated the -s-iews of 
that party. In November. 1875, the ownership of the establishment was 
merged into a stock company, incorporated under the State laws ; Mr. Leach, 
however, still retaining all but a fraction of the stock and continuing in the 
absolute management and control of the business. March 1st, 1879, feeble 
and still failing health compelled him to dissolve his connection with the 
journal, and he sold his whole interest therein to Thomas Wendell, a part 
proprietor and the editor of the Chronicle for several years preceding. Mr. 
Wendell, on entering into charge, united in himself the duties of business 
manager with those of editor. The Chronicle has been a prosperous journal 
from the date of its establishment and has increased in stability and reputa- 
tion with its growing years. The circulation of its dailj- edition is found 
chiefly in YaUejo and places along the line of the two branches of the Cali- 
fornia and Pacific Railroad ; the weekl}- edition is found through everj^ part 
of the interior of Solano, and in Napa and Lake, besides having a very con- 
siderable cii'culation among the vessels of the Pacific squadron of the Navy, 
where its navy intelligence makes it an interesting journal. 

The " Solano Di'ily Timis " made its first appearance on the morn- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 231 

ing of September 28th, 1875, in its present form, 12x18, twenty col- 
umns. It rose from the columns of the Daily Independent. The type, 
presses, etc., of the Independent had been purchased by George Roe, who, 
forming a partnership with A. B. Gibson, commenced the publication of the 
Times. About a month after this A. B. Gibson withdrew from the paper, 
and George Roe formed a company, which was known as the " Times Pub- 
lishing Company," and which was composed, besides himself, of W. V. 
Walsh, H. J. Pelham, and Thad. McFarland. McFarland and Pelham here- 
after seceded from the Times, which now was issued under the firm name of 
Roe & Walsh. 

In January, 1876, the Solano Weekly Times made its appearance in con- 
nection with the daily. It is made up of all the reading matter that appears 
in the daily during each week, and its columns are, consequently, well filled. 
The Solano Weekly Times is 23x32 in size, of twenty-eight columns, and 
has a fair circulation in Solano and adjacent counties. 

The Vallejo Elevator. — In the year 1867 Mr. G. C. Pearson, a gentleman 
of Chicago, came to the coast for the benefit of his health, and among 
other places visited Vallejo, where he conceived the plan of erecting an 
elevator after the manner of those in use in other grain producing States. 
Among those to whom he imparted his idea was Dr. D. W. C. Rice, the presi- 
dent of the California Pacific Railroad, who was so struck with the practi- 
cability of such a scheme that he became anxious to share in the building and 
participate in its advantages, suggesting that a joint-stock company should 
be formed, which was done without delay, it being floated with a capital of 
§500,000. On investigating the laws of the State, Mr. Pearson found that 
there was none regulating the storage of warehouses whereby property 
could be transferred upon endorsement. He therefore drafted a bill, with 
the idea of regulating such, but it was, unfortunately, never passed by the 
Legislature, although in each successive session presented to the Assembly. 
Mr. Pearson thereupon seceded from any participation in the scheme, and 
returned to Chicago, leaving the plans and specifications in the hands of Dr. 
Rice. A company was organized, composed of Dr. Rice, with Dr. Ryder, 
Messrs. Roelofson, D. C. Haskins, J. B. Frisbie, Dr. Spencer, and Messrs. 
Hudson and Bauchius, of Marj-sville, who were afterwards joined by I. 
Friedlander, he having obtained a controlling interest by the purchase of 
one-fifth of the stock. On his return to Chicago, Mr. Pearson had, not- 
withstanding his connection with the elevator had ceased, engaged, at the 
request of Dr. Rice, the services of Mr. Robert Mackie as architect and over- 
seer of the construction ; and through the influence of Dr. Ryder, Mr. 
Charles Wheeler, of Oswego, New York, was appointed superintendent. 
These gentlemen arrived in the summer of 1868, but headway was not made 
with the building till the following year. The piling was effected in Nov- 
ember and December of 1868, and the erection commenced on January 4, 1869. 



232 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

As far back as 1838 the practicability of shipping grain in bulk was dem- 
onstrated when cargoes of wheat were shipped from Germany and other 
countries to the United States, which arrived in better condition than did 
that in sacks or boxes. There was therefore no reason why such should not 
be equally practicable in 1869. 

" Experience had shown," says Mr. Pearson, " the impo.ssibility of storing 
large amounts of grain in the old style warehouse, built with heavy timber 
frames, the toughest oak being inadequate for sustaining the pressure of 
even the small amount that it was possible to store in the shallow, flat bins 
of the period. Various materials were tested without success, until the 
plan was hit upon of using wooden strips, 2x6 to 3x12, resting flatwise, 
one upon another, and thoroughly spiked together ; any mechanic will un- 
derstand the impossibility of breaking down or rending asunder a building 
composed of compartments or bins interlocked or dovetailed together in this 
manner; the whole fabric is one piece, possessing relatively more strength. 
The Elevator building is simply an aggregation of bins resting upon pieces 
of wood stone-bound together with iron bands and rods; surmounting the 
bins is a light frame, serving to carry the roof and for operating the mach- 
inery directly connected ^vith elevating, .spouting and weighing grain. Into 
these bins (which are numbered in all the larger elevators) the grain is 
bulked, i. e., stored loosely, which not only protects it from destruction by 
rats and mice, but allows the formation of grades of uniform character, 
whereby the value is recognized in the market at once by reference to 
samples. An elevator's capacity consequently depends upon the number 
and size of its bins. In this re.spect they vary from one to five hundred, 
with storage room for 300 tons for the smaller, to 48,000 tons for the 
larger." 

" The Vallejo elevator stands on over 900 piles, of an average length of 
forty feet, driven through about eight feet of mud and detritus, and into the 
rocky bottom from four to six feet, forming a secure foundation against 
settling. To secure it against the danger of careening over from eai'thquake 
vibi'ations, Mr. Mackie had heavy timbers, well spliced together, placed all 
around the outside piling, and these were firmly tied to the pier clumps or 
clusters on the inside of the building with heavy iron rods, which are car- 
ried below high-water m9,rk, or about eleven feet below the top of the piles. 
A portion of the area was then filled with rock and earth, from eight to ten 
feet in depth, adjacent to the inside piles, and then raised in a mound form 
to the centre, where the depth is thirty feet. 

It will thus be seen on what a massive foundation this elevator was built. 
It is never known when an earthquake may be experienced on the coast. 
Foi-mer years have proved what devastation may be caused by one of them, 
and it is never safe to erect a bulky building of this nature on any but the 
soundest foundation. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 233 

" The construction of the building is most massive. The first and second 
stories of the elevator are frame work of 12x1 2-inch — interspersed with 
10x10 timber — Puget Sound timber. The number of posts worked in is 
260, which are capped by 12xl8-inch timbers, running crosswise the build- 
ing, a vddth of 85 feet. These joists are crossed by 12xl6-inch timbers, in 
four tiers, running at right angles the whole length of the building, a 
distance of one hundred feet, and firmly attached to the underlying tim- 
bers. Upon this structure commences the third story, or grain bins, which 
are built up crib fashion, of an oblong form, 10x20 feet, hoppered at the 
bottom, in which there is a casting with a slide for drawing out the contents 
when required for shipping. The bins, of which there are thirty-nine, are 
constructed of 2x6 plank, spiked on each other flatwise to a height of forty 
feet. Above these is the cupola, forty-two feet in width, with a depth of 
one hundred feet, running longitudinally through the building, and rising 
a height of forty feet to the eaves, from the level to the top of the bins. This 
structure is three stories high, with an attic, in which is the principal portion 
of the elevating machinery. This is driven by a belt, weighing over 1,400 
pounds, from a pully in the engine shaft below. The third story of the 
cupola is designed for receiving and weighing grain from the cars. The 
two lower stories are adapted for distributing the grain through wooden 
spouts, or .shutes, to the difierent bins. The scales for weighing the grain 
in bulk are of Fairbanks' patent, and the three have each respectively a 
capacity of fifteen tons at a draft, and their hoppers will hold five hundred 
bushels. There are three receiving elevators — or, as they are termed in the 
Western States, car elevators — and two elevators for shipping. The latter 
are provided, each, with a pair of 2o0-bushel hopper scales. There is one 
elevator, or " leg," on the south side, which is built into the building in a 
frame, which is so arranged as to be capable of being lowered or raised into 
barges or schooners for discharging grain. When not in use the foot rests 
on the wharf, Viut when employed in unloading, the foot is carried into the 
vessel to be discharged, simk into the loose grain, a slide opened, and the 
the cargo very rapidly elevated by buckets, or cups, attached to an endless 
belt. These cups will contain about one-twelfth of a bushel, and three 
hundred and eighty of them pass up in a minute of time ; equal to an 
aggregate lifting capacity of from 1,500 to 1,800 bushels per hour. The 
grain is received in a gamer and weighed out in 100-bushel drafts, which 
are received in the foot of the distributing elevator and carried thence to 
the attic, to be distributed to the respective bins, according to the grade of 
the grain. The method is different in receiving grain from the cars, which 
are run on tracks into the lower story, opposite the elevators. The grain is 
rapidly thrown out by steam shovels into a hopper, or sink, from which it 
runs into the elevating buckets, and thence emptied into the scale of hop- 
pers for weighing, and then distributed into the proper bins. In discharging 



234 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

from the bins, the grain is drawn into the foot of the shipping elevators ; 
thence carried to the top of the building and weighed in four hopper scales — 
one of 500, two of 300, and one of 250 bushels — and afterwards discharged 
through spouts into the ship to be loaded. The whole mechanism and 
methods of receiving and discharging are very simple and expeditious in 
operation. The storage capacity of the building will approximate 350,000 
bushels, or 10,000 tons of wheat, inclusive of store room for 250 tons of 
sacked grain. The handling capacity is 35,000 bushels per day, though it 
can be weighed and run into a ship's hold at a speed of from 8,000 to 10,000 
bushels ; equal to 250 to 300 tons per hour. The engine and boilers are 
located in a separate fire-proof building, 30x35 feet in dimensions, from 
which rises a smoke-stack, three feet in diameter, to a height of 118 feet. 
The cylinder of the engine is 18 inches bore and 42 inches .stroke. The 
engine was built at the Union Iron Works, San Francisco. For regulating 
the running speed, there is attached to the engine one of Scott & Eckart's 
patent adjustable cut-offs and governor. The steam is supplied by two 
boilers, 56 inches in diameter and 16 feet in length, containing thirty-five 
3-inch tubes each ; also manufactured by Booth & Co., which firm manu- 
factured the .shafting, pulleys, etc. There are 200 feet of shafting, ranging 
from 6 inches down to 2\ inches in diameter. Of belting, there are 3,150 
feet. The main driving belt is 226 feet long and 20 inches in width, and 
runs from a 6-foot pully on the engine to a 10-foot puUy on the main line 
of shafting in the top of the building. There are 3,150 feet of belting in 
service, viz : 226 feet, five-ply, 20 inches wide; 1,200 feet, four-ply, 20 
inches wide; 132 feet, four-ply, 18 inches wide; 127 feet, four-ply, 16 
inches wide, and 258 feet, four-ply, 8 inches wide. The aggregate total of 
lineal feet of timber and lumber, used and employed in erecting the elevator, 
figures up 1,076,000 feet, exclusive of 35,000 lineal feet of piles, used in con- 
structing the building. The roof is of tin, put on by W. H. Lamb & Co., 
who also supplied the elevator buckets, hardware, nails, screws, etc. The 
outside of the building is covered with smooth iron." 

The above technical information has been in. the main taken from the 
Vallejo directory of 1870, but, as many of the figures therein given were 
incorrect, the present ones quoted were supplied by Mr. Luke Alvord, who 
was foreman on the building during its erection. 

On the afternoon of the 16th of September, 1872, the Vallejo elevator 
was no more ; it fell with a terrific crash, carrying with it some 4,000 tons 
of wheat which were stored inside, and 1,000 more upoij the wharves around 
the building, all being the property of L Friedlander, the Grain King. The 
total loss was estimated at $100,000. The cause of collapse is by some 
asserted to be on account of defective piling, while others declare that the 
catastrophe was the result of the two lower stories not being properly 
braced, i. e. up to a distance of 25 feet from the base of the building. For 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 235 

several days prior to its collapse, the elevator had evinced decided symptoms 
of settling. Doors had become cramped, crackling sounds had been heard 
all over the building, but this gave no cause for alarm ; yet down it went 
in one confused heap, happily taking with it no human lives. 

Carquinez Cemetery. — This beautiful plot of ground, like many others for 
a public purpose, was donated to the City of Vallejo by General John B. 
Frisbie in 1857, and contains twenty-five acres. It is situated on the sum- 
mit of the rising ground, and is on the direct road to Benicia. A road run- 
ning through the center divides the grounds equally and is apportioned, the 
eastern half to the Catholic and the western half to the Protestant. The 
government of the burial-ground is vested in Trustees and a Superintendent. 

Militay Organization. — Vallejo boasts one company of Rifles, composed 
of a fine body of men who are in every way capable as citizen soldiers. The 
time was when there mustered in its ranks many men who had served in 
the war of the rebellion. These have in a measure given way to not less 
worthy successors, who have brought the standard of their corps to a high 
state of perfection. Captain Frank O'Grady may well feel pleasure in his 
command, and California be proud of this portion of her National Guard. 

Vallejo Fire Department. — Among the many institutions in the 
United States in which her sons may truly feel a just pride, none are more 
prominently brought forward than are her fire companies. Every city or 
town, however small, boasts of its brigade, who, whether paid or from love, 
give their energies at the first stroke of the fire alarm to save life and prop- 
erty. The Fire Department in Vallejo was established in the j^ear 1865, the 
inaugural election having been held on December 4th of that year. At this 
meeting, and for the following years the officers elected were: Chief En- 
gineer, William Aspenall ; January 10, 18C8, Chief Engineer, Philip Hich- 
born ; January 10, 1870, Philip Hichborn was elected Chief Engineer; Jan- 
uary 12, 1872, Alexander Hichborn was chosen Chief and John L. King, 
First Assistant Engineer ; May 4, 1873, Joseph Edgecumbe, Chief, Van B. 
Smith, First, and John Welch, Second Assistant Engineers ; May 9, 1874, 
0. L. Henderson, Chief, Gilbert Clayton, First, and B. D. Egery, Second As- 
sistant Engineers ; May 7, 1875, Van B. Smith, Chief, Thomas McDonald, 
First, and George Gorham, Second Assistant Engineers; May 16, 1876, 
William McGill, Chief, E. J. Colby, First, and J. F. Nugent, Second Assist- 
ant Engineers ; May 3, 1877, Van B. Smith, Chief, J. J. Smith, First, and 
R. W. Burton, Second Assistant Engineer ; May 20, 1878, William Beards- 
ley, Chief, Daniel Skully, First, and Steven Price, Second Assistant En- 
gineers ; May 2, 1879, Steven M. Price, Chief, Daniel Skully, First, and Peter 
Wright, Second Assistant Engineers. 



236 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

San Pablo Engine Company, No. 1. — This company was organized on 
February 23, 1865, under the following officers, who were elected at the 
first meeting, held on the above mentioned date: Foreman, John King; 
First Assistant, H. P. Soames ; Second Assistant, Edward Fitzmorris ; 
Treasurer, F. S. Carlton ; Secretary, Laurence Ryan ; Financial Secretary, 
John Kennedy. The location of the Engine is at the Masonic Hall, on 
Virginia street. It is of the fourth class and weighs, exclusive of supplies, 
3,700 pounds. The boiler is M. R. Clapp's Circulating Tubular Patent, 
made of the best material and of sufficient strength to bear twice the 
pressure usually required. Steam can be engendered from cold water in 
from four to six minutes from the time of the lighting of the fires. The 
boiler is covered with German silver, and banded with the same substance 
and Princess metal. The cylinder is fitted to a bed-plate which contains 
all the steam pas.sages, thus preventing leaky joints and condensation of 
steam. It is fitted wdth self-adjusting packing, requiring little or no atten- 
tion from the Engineer. The steam cylinder, steam chest and bed-plate are 
cased in German silver and Princess metal. The main forcing-pump is 
double-acting, and made of a composition of copper and tin and highly 
polished. It is so constructed that it can be taken apart or put together in 
a few minutes if required ; there is also a circulating valve for the purpose 
of feeding the boiler when steam is cut off The large copper air chamber 
is of Princess metal, with a nickel-plated water pressure attached. The 
steam cylinder is eight inches in diameter, and eight inches stroke ; the 
pump is 4| inches in diameter and 8 inch stroke ; the forward wheels are 4| 
and the rear ones 5 feet high. The engine is thoroughly equipped ^vith 
tongue rope, hose-brake lamps, headlight and all the paraphernalia for 
ordinary use. The hose cart is two-wheeled and carries 500 feet of car- 
bolized hose, and is in good condition. The officers of the Company are : 
Alexander Hichborn, Foreman ; J. W. Van Meeter, First Assistant ; Alex- 
ander Morrison, Second Assistant ; James Topley, Treasurer ; T. S. Gilbert, 
Secretarj^; J. W. Winters, Engineer; Louis Rosine, Stoker. There are 
fifty-eight members in good standing. The Engineer, Stoker and Secre- 
tary are permanently employed ; these, together with the Foreman, two, 
Assistants and fifty-one members constitute the entire Company. 

Vallejo Schools — Early Beginnings. — During the summer of 1855, a 
Mr. Wilmott, a Methodist minister, solicited subscriptions to rai.se funds for 
the erection of a building to be used jointly as a church and school house. 
Admiral Farragut was then in command of the Navy Yard, and Isaiah Hans- 
coni. Naval Constructoi-. The paper wss circulated among the men on the 
yard and one thousand (SI ,000) dollars subscribed ; many of the men giving 
a day's pay. General J. B. Frisbie donated two lots on Virginia street, 
between Marin and Sonoma. The building was soon erected, most of the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 237 

work having been contributed by the different mechanics in town. Miss 
Frost, a relative of Mr. Hanscom, opened a school in this building the same 
summer, and continued it for several months. The church people desiring 
to plaster the room requested the school to vacate, and it was therefore 
moved into the old building, now standing on the corner of Maine and 
Marin streets, and known as " Smith and King's blacksmith shop." (It is 
not known whether this teacher was paid in full by tuition bills, or in part 
from public money). 

Miss Frost was succeeded in 18.56 by Mr. George Rowell, who, afterwards, 
in the fall of that year, moved into an old building known as the " Virginia 
House," now standing on Sonoma street, near Pennsylvania. In the spring 
of 1857 a public meeting was called, to see what action should be taken rela- 
tive to building a public school house. Responding to the call the people 
assembled at the old State House, then standing near where Eureka Hall is 
now located (afterward burned), and General J. F. Houghton was chosen 
moderator. At this meeting it was voted to build a house, and money was 
raised by subscription to pay for the same. Three lots were donated by 
General J. B. Frisbie, on Carolina street, at the corner of Sonoma, James 
Newbert being the contractor and builder. The original building was about 
forty feet square, with ceiling some fourteen feet high. At about this time 
there were several teachers, who succeeded each other at short intervals ; a 
Mr. Fanner, Miss Coyle, Miss Casson, Mr. Mason, Mr. N. Smith. Up to this 
time, spring of 1858, we have been unable to learn whether the teachers 
were paid in part with public money or entirely by tuition bills, but there 
is reason to believe some public money was received as early as 1857. Mr. 
E. M. Benjamin, now of San Francisco, was one of the trustees, and em- 
ployed Mr. Newbert to build the house in 1857. 

In the fall of 1859, or spring of 1860, Mr. Fred. Campbell (now Superin- 
tendent of Schools, Oakland) took charge of the public school and remained 
until the spring of 1861. In June of that year Miss Root, now the wife of 
Hon. S. G. Hilborn, taught for one month, when Mr. Isaiah Hurlburt entered 
the school as principal, and Miss Root as assistant ; they remained until June, 
1862, when they were succeeded by Mr. Atchinson and wife, who remained 
about one year. Mr. J. E. Fliggle then took charge of the school, assisted by 
Miss Casebolt, who remained until the spring of 1864, when Miss C. resigned, 
and Miss Alice Pickle was appointed in her place ; they continued the school 
up to September 5, 1864, when Mr. Geo. W. Simonton took charge as princi- 
pal and Miss Sophia A. Simonton, now Mrs. Harris, as assistant. Prior to 
1864 there had been several boards of trustees. E. M. Benjamin was one of 
the first. J. W. Farmer, E. J. Wilson, A. Powell, M. J. Wright, and others, 
but there is no data to fix either the date or order. Mr. Wright, however, 
was a trustee in 1864. 

At the time Mr. Simonton entered the school there were two rooms in the 



238 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

school building, the one built by Mr. Newbert for the principal, and a small 
room some twenty feet square, added subsequently for the assistant. There 
were at this time in both rooms about seventy scholars. 

The school was ungraded and its entire management left to the principal. 
During all these years and up to about 1867 the salary of teachers had been 
paid, in part at least, by rate bills, levied pro rata on all the children. From 
1864 to about 1871 the increase of children in public schools was very rapid, 
and it was with great difficulty the trustees could furnish sitting room for the 
childi-en. Taxes were levied on the people and paid cheerfully, to build 
school room.s. In 1867 there wei'e five rooms, with as many teachers, packed 
with children, each having from seventy to one hundred and twenty, fre- 
quently compelled to sit on the stage, on boxes or stools, for whole terms. 

Present Results. — No city in the State has shown more interest in the 
matter of education than Vallejo. Her people have ever been alive to the 
importance of giving the rising generation a liberal education. From 1867 
to 1869 the influx of population was so great that the school trustees found 
it very difficult, with the limited means and accommodation at their com- 
mand, to provide rooms and school furniture for the constantly increasing 
pupils. In 1869 the board of trustees, viz.: J. G. Lawton, M. J. Wright and 
I. S. Halsey, determined to submit to the people the question of taxing 
themselves for the purpose of raising money to build a new school house, 
and, to their credit be it recorded, the proposition was caiTied by a large ma- 
jority and the tax was levied. Plans having been advertised for those pre- 
sented by Messrs. Hoagland & Newsome, of San Francisco, were approved 
and the contract for constructing a large, commodious three-story building 
was awarded to J. W. Newbert, a citizen of Vallejo, for the sum of $14,000. 

With a desire to extend the efficiency of the school department, J. G. 
Lawton, acting under instruction of the trustees, prepared a special school 
law for the city of Vallejo, providing (among other things) for a Board of 
Education, to consist of a superintendent and four school directors, naming 
the following gentlemen, who should serve until the next charter election^ 
viz.: J. G. Lawton, Superintendent and ex-officio President of the Board; 
M. J. Wright, Secretary; E. M. Benjamin, B. T. Osborn and I. S. Halsey, 
Directors. The law was passed by the legislature; and signed by the gov- 
ernor March 25, 1870. The gentlemen above named having been clothed 
with the proper authority, entered at once into the work assigned them, and 
labored assiduously for the promotion of the educational interests of the 
city. On the 6th of July, 1870, the new school-house was turned over to, 
and accepted by the Board; and although the third stoiy remained un- 
finished, still the accomodation afforded gi-eatly relieved the pressing de- 
mands upon the department. The follomng description will convey a very 
correct idea of this beautiful structure: The building is forty-eight feet 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 239 

•front, by sixty-eight feet deep. Ells eight feet wide. Single story, rear 
wing, 14x30|^ feet. It is three stories high, with Mansard roof, all inclosed 
in rustic style. Two wings, each eight feet wide, set out at each end of the 
building, furnishing broad entrances and stairways; these wings are sur- 
mounted with observatories. The centre of the building rises to a higher 
elevation, and upon its crown rests a turret, which serves both as a ventil- 
ator and belfry. The class-rooms are lighted from the front by four double, 
oval-topped windows, and the side elevations are equally well provided with 
large windows. The first floor is four feet from the ground, and the first 
and second stories fourteen feet six inches high, and the third fourteen feet. 
On the first floor, three large school-rooms are arranged for, each having 
entrance from the wings. Iron columns support the upper floors, and plat- 
forms for teachers occupy convenient positions. In the rear are two private 
rooms for teachers; halls wash-rooms and wardrobes. The second story is 
also conveniently partitioned off, affording four good-sized class-rooms. The 
general style of building is neat, with no excess of ornamentation. Prior 
to the building of this house, the trustees were compelled to hire rooms in 
various and unsuitable parts of the city, paying therefor heavy rents; the 
colored school being in one of the i-ooins of the United States Hotel. On 
July 9th, 1870, the Board adopted the classification and course of study in 
use in the public schools of Providence, R. I., with such modifications as 
were deemed proper by the Board. The following corps of teachers was 
employed to teach under the new and improved system: G. W. Simonton, 
principal of the High-school, W. F. Roe, and Isabella Murphy, assistants; 
A. W. Dozier, principal of the Grammar department, with William Crow- 
hurst, Miss Lawrence, and J. McFadden, as assistants; Miss Sophia 
Simonton, Miss Mary Turtelott, Miss Foye, Miss Delia Sweatland, Maiy C. 
Hall and Miss Rutherford, teachers of the Primary department, and Miss 
Wundenburg, teacher of the Colored school; W. M. Cole, Janitor. 

The salaries paid at this time were from $50 to $150 per month, aggre- 
gating, including Superintendent, Secretary and Janitor, $1,151 per month. 
The regulations adopted by the Board provide for a ten-months' school, 
divided into two terms of five months each, with a mid-tel'm vacation of 
one week. The school-money received from the state and county was 
foimd inadequate, and to make up the deficiency, the following schedule of 
rate-bills was adopted, payable monthly: "High-school department, each 
pupil, $2 50; first and second grade, Grammer, $2 00; third grade. Gram- 
mar, $1 75; fourth grade, Grammer, $1 50; Primary department, $1 00. 
At the end of the first month after the adoption of this order, viz.: from 
Jan. 4, to Feb. 15, 1871, the teachers reported to the Board, collections 
amounting to $543 70. At the end of May, 1871, the following teachers 
were elected for the next term: G. W. Simonton, W. F. Roe, and Miss Julia 
Benjamin, for High-school; A. W. Dozier, Misses Sweatland, Tourtelott, 



240 THE HIi3T0RY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Benjamin, Murphy, and Mrs. C. A. Kidder (nee Simonton) Misses Kate Hall, 
Anderson, Rutherford, Foye, and Wm. Crowhurst, principal of the South 
Vallejo school; and Miss Mary Tobin, Etta Thompson, and Miss Watson, 
teacher of the colored school. 

On the loth of September the following gentlemen, having been elected 
by the people as provided in the new City School law, were duly qualified, 
and took their seats as the second Board of Education of Vallejo: Rev. N. 
B. Klink, Superintendent; I. S. Halsey, Seci-etary; Luke Doe, J. H. Green 
and E. H. M. Baily, Directors. The newly-elected members entered at 
once into the good work begun by the previous Board, and the Vallejo 
schools soon became famous throughout the adjacent counties, many pupils 
being sent here for instruction, and large numbers of most excellent teach- 
ers making application for positions as instructors. 

The first question of importance presented to this Board for its considera- 
tion related to the finances of the department. The school-money received 
from the state and county was only sufficient to maintain the schools for 
eight months. A special tax of thirty-five cents on each $100 valuation on 
the assessment-roll was therefore provided for in the special law befoi-e- 
mentioned, to make up the deficiency. This tax was assessed and collected 
by the county oSicials, in the same manner and at the same time of assess- 
ing and collecting the state and county taxes, and without cost to the school- 
fund. This arrangement worked well, and gave great satisfaction to the 
public; but, unfortunately, the State Board of Equalization the next year 
decided that all such laws throughout the state were unconstitutional, and 
issued an order restraining County Assessors and Collectors from assessing 
or collecting township and district taxes. They further promulgated this 
principle in the matter of taxation, viz.: "That all taxes levied and col- 
lected for township and district purposes must be assessed and collected 
by officers elected by the people to be taxed." This rendered a revision 
of the Vallejo School Law necessary. The matter was referred to the 
Secretary of the Board with instructions to procure legal assistance and 
so revise the Special School Law as to secure the assessing and collecting 
of the usual special tax. On the 5th of January, 1874, J. G. Lawton, Esq., 
presented the revised law to the Board, which, after some modifications, was 
approved, and the Secretary instructed to forward it to the Hon. J. L. 
Heald, member of assembly, by whom it was introduced for legislative 
action; on the 25th day of February following it was signed by the Gover- 
nor, and has ever since been the school law of Vallejo township. The 
changes made related more especially to the matter of including the entire 
township of Vallejo in the school district, and making provision for the 
election of a township Assessor and Collector as required by the order be- 
fore-mentioned, emanating from the State Board of Equalization. 

At the close of the school year ending December, 1871, Messrs. Gregory, 



cy-aiH "i 








THK HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 241 

Hilljorn, Lawton, Ashbrook, Dr. L. C. Frisbie, and Rev. C. E. Rich, assisted 
the Superintendent, Mr. KUnk, in making the usual term-examination, 
and the report made by these gentlemen was highly creditable to teachers 
and pupils, and quite satisfactory to the Board. On January 2, 1872, the 
Board adopted a course of study, rules and regulations, and had the same 
printed in pamphlet form for gratuitous distribution among the people. 
During this year, Mr. Simonton, the principal, obtained permission of the 
Board to give a number of public school entertainments, for the purpose of 
raising money to purchase a suitable bell for house No. 1. His efforts were 
successful beyond expectation, and the fine bell thus secured to the school 
department lias ever since been ringing out notes of praise to all who par- 
ticipated in this worthy object. The cost of the bell was $325. 

The teachers elected for the term beginning January, 1872, were the same 
as last term, with the exception that Mrs. Kidder resigned and J. McFadden 
was elected and assigned to the South Vallejo school. 

On the 23d day of April, 1872, Mr. Simonton, after so many years of 
faithful service in the cause of education, was compelled to hand in his 
resignation on account of failing health. After several ineffectual attempts 
on the part of the Board to induce him to continue, his resignation was 
finally accepted on the 7th of May, 1872. After accepting the resignation 
of Prof. Simonton, the following resolutions were unanimously passed by 
the Board: 

"Resolved, That it is with unfeigned regret we are called upon to part 
with our late Principal, G. W. Simonton, he having filled that position for 
years with honor to himself, profit to the children of Vallejo, and the per- 
fect satisfaction of the Board. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are due, and are hereby tendered 
to him for many valuable suggestions, and his unremitting efforts in assist- 
ing us to arrange and perfect our present school system. 

Resolved, That we cordially recommend him to all interested in educa- 
cational matters as a gentleman in every way competent, and worthy of 
their entire confidence and esteem." 

On June 11, 1872, the following teachers were elected for the tenn com- 
mencing July next : 

C. B. Towle, Principal of the High School ; W. F. Roe, Teacher of Lan- 
guages ; Miss Kate Hall, First Assistant in the High School ; Miss Julia 
Benjamin, Second Assistant, High School ; Miss Mary Tourtelott, Third 
Assistant, High School; A. W. Doziei, Principal of the Grammar Depart- 
ment ; Miss F. A. Frisbie, Miss Delia Sweatland, Mrs. C. A. Kidder and Miss 
J. Belle Murphy, Assistants ; Wm. Crowhurst, Principal of the Primary 
Department ; Miss C. F. Barney, Miss Etta Thompson and Fannie Watson, 
Assistants ; J. A. McFadden, Principal of the South Vallejo School ; Miss 
Mary Tobin, Assistant. 
16 



242 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

On July 13, 1872, a petition having been received from a number of 
citizens residing near the Orphans' Home asking the Board of Education to 
open a public school in the Home building, and tlie consent of the officers 
of that institution having been obtained, it was agreed to by the Board, and 
Prof. N. Smith was elected to teach the school, all to be vinder the same 
rules and regulations governing the Vallejo Public School. 

It may here be interesting to give the amount of money disbursed the past 
school year as appears from the Secretary's report dated June, 1872. Sal- 
ai-ies, .$13,745.45 ; interest on Mackay's note, S750 ; interest on money bor- 
rowed to pay teachers, $510.40; repairs and improvements, $1,020.39; 
school supplies, $691.99 ; school furniture, $354.25 ; rents, $337 ; insurance, 
$264.35 ; grading and constructing sidewalks, $175.40 ; fuel, .$148.33 ; water, 
$114.80; printing, $121.25; incidentals, $129.55; library, $50; expre.ssage, 
$20— total $18,433.16. 

The receipts for the same year were from the following sources : Balance 
in Treasury at beginning of the year $69.36 ; received from the State Fund, 
$4,741.35 ; received from the County Fund, $7,842.65 ; received from the 
District Special Tax, $4,234.29 ; received from the City Special Tax, 
$2,415.21— total $19,302.86. 

On July 13, 1872, the death of E. H. M. Baily one of the School Dkectors 
was announced and suitable resolutions of respect and condolence passed 
by the Board. 

On November 4th following, Mr. F. Carlton having been duly appointed 
School Director by the Superintendent to fill the vacancy in the Board 
occasioned by the death of Mr. Baily, he qualified, and took his seat. 

January 20, 1873, the Board of Education elected the followang named 
teachers to act as City Board of Examination : N. B. Klink, President ; C. 
B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Melville Dozier, Wm. Crowhurst, A. W. Dozier and W. 
H. Fry, County Superintendent. 

The following teachers were elected for the term beginning in January, 
1873 : C. B. Towle, Principal of High School ; W. F. Eoe, Professor of 
Languages ; Miss Kate Hall, Assistant in High School ; A. W. Dozier, Prin- 
cipal of Grammar Department ; G. W. Simonton, Second Grade ; Miss Delia 
Sweatland, First Division, Third Grade ; Miss Julia Benjamin, Second Divi- 
sion, Third Grade ; Miss P. A. Frisbie, First Division, Fourth Grade ; Miss 
Isabelle A. Murphy, Second Division, Fourth Grade ; Wm. Crowhurst, 
Principal of Primary Department ; Miss Etta L. Thompson, Second Grade ; 
Miss Mary Tourtelott, Third Grade ; Miss Jennie S. Klink, Assistant in 
Third Grade ; Mrs. C. A. Kidder, Fourth Grade ; Melville Dozier, Principal, 
South Vallejo; N. Smith, Principal Orphans' Home; Miss Jane Andei'son, 
Colored School. 

The year 1873 was made memorable in the liistory of the Vallejo schools 
by the erection of the new and and beautiful school house now standing on 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 243 

the comer of Carolina and Sonoma streets. This improvement was made 
for additional accommodation for the Grammar and Primary Departments. 
This work was done under a contract with Mr. Charles Murphy, a citizen of 
Vallejo, for the sum of $6,500. 

It was also during this year that the Board adopted a Diploma to be pre- 
sented to the graduates from the Vallejo High School. The first graduates 
receiving this mark of distinction were Misses Maggie Tobin, Maiy Mc- 
Knight, Hattie Dempsey and Mary Long. 

On Monday, March 16, 1S74, the first election was held under the provis- 
ions of the amended School Law, resulting in the choice of the following 
named gentlemen : J. G. Lawton, Superintendent ; L S. Halsey, Secretary ; 
L. Doe, J. Q. Adams and A. J. McPike, Directors ; G. T. Plaisted, Assessor 
and Collector ; and on the 6th day of April they qualified took their seats, 
and immediately entered upon the duty assigned them. 

Through the kindness and courtesy of the City Trustees, early in the 
year 1874 the Board of Education was furnished with a very pleasant room 
in the City Hall to hold their meetings and transact their business. 

June .5, 1874, Mr. G. W. Simonton having previously obtained permission 
of the Board to give an entertainment for the purpose of raising money 
with which to purchase a piano for the Grammar Department, of which he 
was Principal, reported $190 as the proceeds of the undertaking. A short 
time afterward the instrument now in use was secured. 

Graduating Class of 1874 — Misses : Mary S. Halsey, Mary Wpm, Etta 
Foye, Mary Hobbs, Margaret Wakely, Josephine Sundquest, and Margaret 
Dunn. 

Teachers elected in June, 1874 — C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Jennie Dickin- 
son, Dora Harris, Mary Congdon, G. W. Simonton, J. T. Royal, Wm. Crow- 
hurst, J. S. Congdon, N. Smith, Mrs. C. A. Kidder, Julia Benjamin, Miss C. 
H. Pinkham, Belle Murphy, Etta Thompson, Mary Tobin, Miss P. A. Frisbie, 
Maiy Foye, Jennie Klink, and D. P. Whitney, janitor. 

The Census Marshal for 1874. J. H. Green, Esq., reports : Whole number 
white children in the township, between 5 and 17 — boys, 800 ; Girls, 7G2. 
Total, 1,-j62. Colored children — boys, 13 ; girls, 3. Total, IC. Mongolian 
under 17—20. Blind— 1. Total, between 5 and 17—1,599. Number of 
children between 5 and 17, who have attended Public school duiing the 
year: White — 998; Negro, 14. Total — 1,012. Number who have attended 
private schools — 263. Number who have not attended any school : White 
—305 ; Negro, 2 ; Indian, 1. Total— 308. 

Number of children native born, and having native parents — 865. Num- 
ber native born children, having one native born parent — 301. Number of 
children native born, having both parents foreign- — 1,292. Number of 
children foreign born — 15. 

At a meeting of the Board, held July 3, 1874, a resolution was intro- 



244 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



duced to abolish the colored school, and admit the pupils thereof to the 
graded schools. The question was fully discussed by members of the Board, 
the citizens present, wdth one exception, favoring the proposed change. The 
resolution was adopted ; and Vallejo took the lead in the important question 
by being the first city to admit colored children to the graded schools, and 
thus conferring upon them equal privileges with the white chilcb-en. The 
whole number of children enrolled July, 1874, were 1,011. 

On December 30, 1874, Prof. G. W. Simonton, and Miss Belle Murphy, 
resigned. April 2, 1875, School Director, L. Doe, having removed to Oak- 
land, tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and David Rutherford 
was appointed to fill the vacancy. It should here be stated, to the credit 
of Mr. Doe, that, while acting as a Director, he ever evinced a strong desire 
to advance the best interests of the Vallejo School Department; always 
punctual in his attendance at the meetings of the Board, and taking a lively 
interest in all questions presented. On the 2d of June, 1875, the Board, 
being in session, much interest was manifested on a proposition to abolish 
the department of languages. Mr. Halsey moved the adoption of the fol- 
lowing : Whereas, " It having come to the knowledge of this Board that an 
effort will be made to induce its members to abolish the department of lan- 
guages, now in the High School course ; and. Whereas, Under the present 
arrangement, the children of the poorest of our citizens stand on an equality 
with those more fortunate, securing to them the same opportunity to secure 
a High School diploma, entitling them to the privilege of entering the 
State University ; and Whereas, The proposed change would result in a 
serious di-awback to the educational interest of Vallejo, and be looked upon 
as a step backward in the hitherto onward progress of our city. Therefore, 

Resolved, That we deem it expedient, and for the best interests of Vallejo 
and her citizens, to continue the Department of Languages in the High 
School course." 

The question was discussed by members of the Board, and a number of 
citizens, including Messrs. J. E. Abbott, G. W. Simonton, Hon. M. J. Wright, 
C. B. Towle, J. P. Garlick, and County Superintendent C. W. Childs. Many 
interesting and instructive ideas were presented, all tending to show the 
deep interest the people of Vallejo feel in educational matters. The resolu- 
tion was finally adopted, and the department of languages thus continued. 

On the 28th of May, 1875, Masters Lewis G. Harrier and Samuel Irving, 
received their diplomas as graduates of the Vallejo High School. It is 
worthy of note to state in this connection, that both of these young men 
were at once admitted to the State University. 

The teachers for 1875 and 76, were : C. B. Towle, Principal of the High 
School ; W. F. Roe, Professor of Languages in the High School ; J. P. Gar- 
lick, Principal of the Grammar Department ; Viola R. Kimball, Second 
Grammar Department ; Sophia A. P. Kidder, Second Grammar Department ; 



THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 245 

Anna R. Congdon, Third Grade Department ; Dora B. Harris, Third Grade 
Department ; Beverley Cox, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; Jennie 
B. Chase, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; Wm. Crowhurst, Principal of 
the Primaiy Department ; Mary Wynne, First Grade Primary Department ; 
Jennie Klink, Second Grade Primary Department ; Etta L. Thompson, Third 
Grade Primary Department ; Lucy Gilman, Third Grade Primary Depart- 
ment ; Charlotte M. Barry, Fourth Grade Primary Department ; Mary G. 
Tobin, Fouith Grade Primary Department ; J. S. Congdon, Principal of the 
South Vallejo School; Mary A. Foye, Assistant of the South Vallejo School ; 
Nehemiah Smith, Principal of the Orphans' Home School ; Fannie E. Suuth, 
Assistant of the Orphans' Home School. 

School Cetisus Marshal's Report — 1875. Number of children from 5 to 
17 : boys, white, S2G ; girls, white, 799 ; total, 1,625. Number of colored 
children from 5 to 17: boys, 4 ; girls, 7 ; total, 11. Number of children 
under 5, 788. Colored, 79. Children in Public Schools, 963. Colored, 8. 
Children in Private Schools, 331. Children not attending school, 351. 

This Board of Education was elected in March, 1876: J. E. Abbott, Super- 
intendent, ex-ojjjficio President. School Directors — John Farnham, C. H. 
Hubbs, D. Rutherford, A. J. McPike ; I. S. Halsey, Secretary. 

Committees — On Grounds, Buildings, Repairs, Fuel and Warming School 
Houses — McPike, Rutherford, Abbott. On Janitors, School Furniture, School 
Library and Apparatus — Hubbs, Farnham, Abbott. On Teachers, Rules 
and Regulations, and School Discipline — Rutherford, Hubbs, Abbott. On 
Finance and Accounts — Farnham, McPike, Abbott. 

Board of Examination — J. E. Abbott, City Superintendent, ex-officio 
President ; C. W. 'Childs, County Superintendent ex-officio ; C. B. Towle, 
Secretary ; J. P. Garlick, W. Crowhurst, J. S. Congdon. 

Teachers— C. B. Towle, Principal of the High School ; W. F. Roe, Pro- 
fessor of Languages in the High School ; J. P. Garlick, Principal of the 
Grammar Dejjartment ; Soj^hia A. P. Kidder, Second Grammar Department ; 
Viola R. Kimball, Third Grade Department ; Dora B. Harris, Third Grade 
Department ; Hettie Dempsey, Fourth Grade Grammar Depai-tment ; Mag- 
gie Dunn, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; William Crowhurst, Prin- 
cipal of the Primary Department ; Mary Wynne, First Grade Primary De- 
partment ; Jennie Klink, Second Grade Primary Department ; Ettie L. 
Thompson, Third Grade Primary Department ; Lucy Gilman, Third Grade 
Primary Department; Charlotte M. Bairy, Fourth Grade Primary Depart- 
ment ; E. P. Fouche, Fourth Grade Primary Department ; J. S. Congdon, 
Principal of the South Vallejo School ; Mary Tobin, Assistant of the South 
Vallejo School ; Nehemiah Smith, Principal of the Orphans' Home School. 

In 1876, the Graduates were Misses: Ida Hobbs, Susan Cheesman, Carrie 



246 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Frasier. Genii Martin, Carrie Barbour, Annie Crocker, Hattie Klink, \dth 
Masters Edward Lawton, Louis Long and Charles Batchellor. 

On September 29, 1876, Mr. Abbott resigned the position of Superin- 
tendent, owing to pressing business in connection with the Vallejo Bank, 
and the Rev. N. B. Klink was elected to fill the vacancy. 

Graduating Claris, 1877 — Edward Fri.sbie, Jr., Thomas Robinson, Thomas 
Dempsey, John Fri-sbie, Marj- Rowe. 

Teachers' Election, May, 1877— High School— C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe. 
Grammar School — J. P. Garlick, Sarah Farrington, Florence Groodspeed, 
Jennie S. Klink, Maiy L. McKennan, Hettie Dempsey. Maggie Dunn. 
Piimary — Mrs. Sophia Kidder. Mary Wj-nne. Marj- Hobbs, Etta Thompson, 
Lucy Gilman, C. M. Barry, E. C. Fouche, J. S. Congdon, Alice Blank, A. T. 
Stiles. Janitoi-s— D. T. "^Tiitney and H. D. LazeU 

School Census Report of J. S. Congdon, Marshal, for 1877, was : Boys, 
from 5 to 17, 745 ; girls, 733 ; colored, boys, 1, girls, 4 ; Indians, boys, 0, 
girls, 1. Total, 1,484. Number under 5 years of age — Boys and girls, 
white, 795 ; negro, 2. Native born and parents native, 706 : native bom 
and one parent foreign, 384 ; native born and both pai-ents foreign, 1,149 ; 
foreign bom, 53. Early in 1878 the Board purcha.sed three additional lots, 
adjoining the school property, and had the same planted in evergreen trees, 
and %-ines. The gixjunds are intended as play -grounds for the girls and will 
afiford recreation very much needed. 

On the 25th day of March, 1878, the indebtedness on the Vallejo school 
property amounting to S5,000 was paid, leaving the property entirely un- 
encumbered. 

On March 18, 1878, an election for School officers was had, resulting in 
the choice of J. E. Abbott, Superintendent : John Farnham, D. Rutherford, 
D. W. Harrier C. H. Hubbs, Directors ; T. W. Chamberlain, Asses.sor and 
Collector. 

On April 1st the Board was organized, ha^^ng duly qualified, and I. S. 
Halsey was elected Secretary*. 

Graduating Class- — 1878 — Maggie Kavanaugh, Lottie Kitto. John Pem- 
man, Katie Brew, Maggie Murphy. Emma Frey, George Greenwood, Minnie 
Engelbright, John M. Williamson, Abbie Dyar, Julia Stottcr, Wells Whit- 
ney, Eunice Hobbs, Lutie Dixon, Charles H. Dexter, Lizzie Cox, Florence 
Devlin, George Klink, Mary Sundquiest, 

The teachers for 1878 were : High School, C. B. Towle. W. F. Roe ; Gram- 
mar, H. W. Philbrook, Sarah J. Farrington. Aimie Klink, Josephine Simd- 
quicst, Hettie Dempsey, Maggie Tobin ; Pi-imarv. Mrs. M. P. Morris. Maiy E. 
Bro^vn, Mary Hobbs, Mary W\-nn, Lucy Oilman, C. M. Banv. Mi-s. E. P. 
Veeder : South Yallejo. J. S. Congdon, Jennie S. Klink. 

The Census Marshal's Report for 1878, was : Wliite children fri>m five to 
seventeen years, 1,481: negro. 7 ; monarolians, 24, showina: a total of 1,512. 



THE HISTf^RT OF SOLAXO COTTXTT. 247 

Add to these 753 children under fire years — makes a grand total of 2.265. 

The amount of monev reqxiired to meet the expenses of the Vallejo School 
department may he gathered from the following exhibit, taken from the 
Annual Report of the Secretary, for the year 1S7S: R^ceipt^ — Balance on 
hand at beginning of year $5,122 S-t. Total received from State and 
eoimty, §1S.6S1 20. Total. $23,804 04. Expenditure — Current expense.?. 
.■?17.132 SO. Lots purchased. $522 50. Paid off mortgage, S5.000 00. 
Sundries. $313 08. Balance in treasury, §835 66. Total.$23.804 04. 

At this term. lS7S-75>. there are employed twenty teachers, receiving 
salaries ranging from $50 to $150 per month. The monthly pay-roll of 
teachers and school officers aggregates $1,625 S3. The session lasts ten 
months of the year, ■while the revenue is derived from the State and Countv. 
and Special District Taxes, the amount required annually being alx)ut 
$20,000. The valut of the school property, including a library of several 
hundred volumes, many of them standard works of reference, is $50,000, 
while there is yearly expended, for library books, under the provisions of 
the State law. a sum of $150. The graduates of the High School in Class 
1870 were : James McCaTiley. Mwar"! E. Kavanagh. A. Lulu Frisbie. Netta 
Meei, Kate S. Klink, Annie L. Wvnne. Helen May Towle, and Louise J. 
Grinnage. 



MARE ISLAXD. 



Much curiosity has been excited by the peculiarity of name given to this 
island: the origin of its appellation is related as follow^s: In former davs 
there was only one ferry-boat on the waters near Vallejo and Benicia, a 
crude one at that, being made principally of oil-barrels obtained fre)m whal- 
ing ships, which were secured together by beams and planking : the craft 
was di\nded into compartments for horses and cattle, the transportation of 
which was its principal use. On one occasion, while the boat was making 
its way from Martinez, on the opposite shore of the Carquinez Straits, to 
Benicia. a sudden squall overtook her, causing her to pitch dreadfully. The 
animals, then on board, being for the most part horses, became alarmed and 
commenced to kick, causing the weak partitions to give way. The vessel 
was capsized and the living eai^ thrown into the bay. Some reached the 
shore, while others were drowned. Of the former was an old white mare 
owned and much prized, by General Tallejo : its capture was effected on the 
island a few days after the disaster, when the General dubbed the place 
" Isla de la Yegua." or Mare Island. 

The island forms a portion of the eastern side of San Pablo bay. its south- 
erly end making the intersection of the Straits of Carquinez and Mare 
Island Straits, the former, which is the outlet of the two largest rivers of 



248 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

California, the Sacramento and San Joaquin, and the latter, constitutes the 
improved front of the Navy Yard, as well as that of the city of Vallejo, on 
the opposite shore, and also the outlet of the Napa creek, which drains the 
fertile valley above. The distance from San Francisco is twenty-six miles. 
The island is 2jo miles in length by Ofoo in width, and is of an oblong form, 
having a direction from northwest to southeast, while its area is 876 acres. 
The upland is diversified into hills and level sloping plains, the shore of the 
bay presenting vertical bluffs lined with a rocky back until nearing tlie 
southern extremity, where it tenuinates in high, I'olling hills, with steep, 
inaccessible slopes to the water. The highest point on the island is at its 
southern end, where it is 280 feet in altitude. The soil is, away from the 
marsh or tule lands, of which there are 135 acres, adobe loam and clay over- 
lying stratified sandstone and shale ; some good building stone has been 
found in small quantities, while brick clay of a good quality is to be pro- 
cured. Small quantities of hydraulic limestone have also been discovered, 
as has also a few spiings of inferior water. 

At the northei'n end of the island there are three large Imlian mounds or 
graves covered over with burnt mussel-shells, upon which nothing will 
grow. Sometime ago one of these was opened and a large number of skulls, 
bones, bows, arrow-heads, etc., were found. Each of these mouiids has a 
legend attached to it. They were probably made during the small-pox epi- 
demic which committed such havoc among the native Indians in the year 
1839. 

The position of Mare Island is admirably adapted for a Naval station. 
The straits separating it from the mainland is a quarter of a mile wide, and 
has a depth of five fathoms. The mean rise and fall of the tide is 4io feet ; 
while, when the rivers are swollen, the water loses all brackishness. The 
channel is remarkably direct and easy of navigation, the only defect being 
a limited shoal called " Commission Rock," which lies at a point nea.rly 
opposite the island and about mid-way in the stream. There is deep water, 
however, on either side of the rock, the deepest being on the side next to 
the island ; and good anchorage is to be found anywhere, the bottom being 
of a soft and sticky na.tiu-e. 

The first historical fact in connection with Mare Island, with which it 
has been possible to become cognizant, is that in the year ISoO it was 
granted to one Castro by Governor Alvarado, and purchased from him by 
John B. Frisbie and Bezer Simmons, for the sum of $7,000, who, in turn in 
1851, sold it to W. H. Aspinwall and G. W. P. Bissell, in consideration of 
the sum of $17,500. 

By an Act of Congress, dated 30 June, 1851, appropriations were made, 
and subsequently a contract entered into between Messrs. Dakin and 
Moody, and Messrs. Gilbert and Secor, on the one part, and the United 
States Government on the other, for the construction of a floating sectional 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 249 

clock on some point on the Pacific coast ; and after inspecting positions of 
likelihood at Benicia and Racoon Straits, Mare Island was selected as the 
spot offering the greatest facilities for the purpose desii-ed. The dock, of 
which the measurements will be hereafter given, was first constructed in 
New York, and then taken to pieces and shipped in four vessels named the 
" Empire," " California Packet," " Queen of the East," and " Defiance," and 
despatched round Cape Horn, all of which arrived at Mare Island in the 
fall of lb>52. At this time the entire sphere of the island was overgrown 
with wild oats and overrun with wild cattle, horses, mules, and one ass, who 
stood v)i loco parentis to the latter ; a solitary squatter occupied a dingy hut 
among the rank verdure, his principal occupation being the tending of 
stock ; while on the opposite shore, where now the city of Vallejo rears its 
head, there were but two or three occupied houses. The shores were not as 
they are to-day. Silting had not then commenced ; the mud from the mines 
had not yet been despatched into the bay by way of the Sacramento river, 
and it was easy for ships to make fast to the shore. Discharging cargo for 
the dock was first attempted by means of rafts from mid-stream ; a storm 
coming on, however, caused the vessels to drag their anchors, and thus dis- 
covered the depth of water in shore, and lieljjed to solve the riddle of land- 
ing dock stores. 

The first party to arrive in charge of stores and machinery for the sec- 
tional dock was that under D. Peckham, who came in the month of Septem- 
ber, 1852 ; twenty days later the second detachment consisting of six 
mechanics arrived with Theodore Dean, Manager and Superintendent in 
charge. Many of the passengers on the vessels who were mechanics sought 
and obtained employment at the docks, among whom are a number of Vallejo's 
most worthy citizens, while laborers being few and hard to get, their places 
were principally filled by sailors who proved to be invaluable workmen in 
unloading ships, rigging derricks and performing dock-work generally. 
Labor was proceeded with in such earnestness thatthe in fall of the following 
year the dock was completed. Wages were high, the rate at the time being 
for first class mechanics $5 and $6 per day, but when vessels were under- 
going repairs, ship carpenters and caulkers got as much as $9 a day with a 
glass of grog as an extra inducement to toil. Before the work was handed 
over to the government the contractors had the privilege of using the dock 
for a certain number of years which they would appear to have done. 

Affairs had arrived at this stage when on August 31, 18-52, an Act of 
Congress was passed authorizing " the Secretary of the Navy to select a 
site for a Naval Yard and Naval Depot in the bay of San Francisco, the 
same to be surveyed and a plat thereof to be recorded in proper form, the 
said Secretary to establish a Navy Yard and Naval Depot on the site and 
erect a foundry, machine shop, blacksmith's shop, boiler shop, engine house 
pattern house, carpenters shop and store houses." The amount of appro- 
priation being $100,000. 



250 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

A Board consisting of Commodore John D. Sloat, Commander \V. S. 
Ogdcn. Lieutenant S. ¥. Blunt and W. P. S. Sanger, Civil Engineer, were 
deputed to make the neces-sary .surveys, eventuating in the selection of Mare 
Island ; and it was purchased by the Unitt>d States from W. H. Aspinwall, 
G. W. P. Bissell and Mi-s. ilary S. Mac Arthur for the sum of SS3,()(){), on 
January 4, 1853, and on February 28th of that year Aspinwall and Com- 
stoek liound themselves in the sum of S200,0(1() to convey the whole of the 
island to the authorities. The expenses of the Board were deducted from 
tlie original appropriation as was also tlie cost of erecting buildings, making 
the first layout on the part of the government to be : Cost of Mare Island, 
amount paid to Aspinwall, Bissell and Mi-s. McAithur, S83,000 ; expenses of 
Board of Survej*, SI 1,508.20 ; erection of building for use of yard, S5,401.80. 
Total, 8100.000^ 

As has been remarked above the selection of the site for a Navy Yard 
was the result of an Act of Congress, approved by the President of the 
United States, of the olst August, 1852, and on March 3, 1853, another ap- 
propriation of §100,000 was voted b)^ Congress, for building blacksmith's 
shop, cai-penter shop, store-house and wharf, " Provided, That before this 
sum shall be expended, the Attorney General of the United States shall 
decide that the United States have good title to the land upon which the 
buildings are to be erected." The same Act directs the Secretary to com- 
plete and carry into execution the verbal contract for a basin and i-ailway 
in California in connection with the Hoating dock already referred to, ami 
on August 5, 1854', a fui-ther grant of S200,000 was appropriated for the 
continuing of the building-s mentioned above. 

The fii-st Commandant of the Yai'd was appointed on September Ifi, 
1854, Commander David G. Farragut being the otKcer chosen. At the time 
of his assumption of office, the island was a mere grazing locality, there 
being visible only squattere, one or two humble dAvellings, and a few 
sheds which had been put up by the builders of the sectional dry dock. 
Arrangements for the occupation were pushed with characteristic vigor liv 
Captain Farragut, and on October 3, 1854, the National flag was lii-st 
hoisted on its newly acquired property. 

In the archives of the Conunandant's office is preserved a Log in the 
handwi-iting of the officer who afterwai'ds achieved such glory for his coun- 
try and name at New Orleans, when he caused himself to be tied to the 
shrouds of his flagship, the " Hartford," and ran the gauntlet of the enemy's 
guns. The pages of Farragut's diary may become tarnished by time, the ink 
may fade, but his memory will remain nntinged as long as the U^nited 
States will have a history, and be cherished in the hearts of his country- 
men in such a manner as is only done for the great and the good. 

" September 16, 1854. — Commander Farragut took charge of the Island, 
and forthwith ordered all of the squatters off — Vara, Gilbert and Antonio 
Pintro were their names. Weather cleai". 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 251 

" September 17, 1854. — Looked around the Island for the localities speci- 
fied in the plan of the Navy Yard ; also engaged in examining the amount 
of property on the island that could be advantageously used by Govern- 
ment. Weather clear. 

•' ,S('pteml)er 18, 1854. — The sloop-of-war " Warren " came up to be moored 
as a store-ship for the accommodation of the Yard. Also employed Vara, 
who was a cai-pcnter, to put up a flag-.staff. Paid $500 for towing up the 
.ship, and f 192 for pilotage. Weather clear. 

" September 19, 1854. — Made arrangements to dock the " Warren," and 
employed three or four more to work on the Yard and fi.x foundation for 
flag-staff. Also sent to San Francisco for lumber and other appliances to 
work with. Weather cloudy. 

And so does this interesting relic go on ; day liy day aic tlic facts re- 
corded with like simplicity until now it is regarded as evidence, the authen- 
ticity of which can never be doubted. 

The year 1855 began with great Viustle; on January 24th, the stone foun- 
dation for the smithery was commenced, and that for the residence of the 
Commandant was started on the March following, while on Api-il 20th the 
annexed entry is found in Captain FaiTagut's Log : " Received by the 
' Napa City,' the coppei'-plate for the comer-stone engi-aved with the fol- 
lowing words, viz., 'This Navy Yard was founded SeptemVjer 18, 1854. 
Franklin Pierce, President of the United States ; J. C. Daffin, Secretary of 
the Navy ; Charles Smith, U. S. N., Chief of Bureau, Docks and Yards ; 
D. G. Fari-agut, Commandant of Yard ; D. Turner, Civil Engineer, A 
Powell, Master Carpenter, R. S. King, Master Blacksmith, Mr. Warner, 
Master Mason. The corner-stone of this building was laid January 2.3, 
1855." 

During the year the (Jommandant found it his duty to address the men 
on desertion and the aiding and abetting it, for this offense had become alto- 
gether too common ; the word in season had its reward, for those employed 
tiocame steadier, and there was a marked decrease in the number of malcon- 
tents. On July 2] , an interesting seiies of experiments was inaugurated in 
regard to the testing of native woods when Puget Sound tiudier was found to 
be very much stronger than Eastern oak and Geoigia pine, a result scarcely 
to be anticipated. On October 26th, we find that the Astronomers of the 
Exploring Expedition erected the Observatory on the highest point of the 
island, while the year was wound up by a ball given under the auspices of 
tlie Di-y Dock (Company, who it will lie remembered retained possession of 
tne dock for some years subsequent to its completion. 

It will thus be seen that the new Navy Yard was assuming something 
like shape ; on the fourth day of the New Year, the planting of trees was 
commenced. Early in the following month three of the forges in the 
smithery were completed and ready for use, while the basin to admit the 



25a: THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. ' 

sectional dock was being completed with all speed. On the 7th of August, 
1856, this was effected, water being admitted into it, and on the 2.5th of 
September the " Warren " was hauled ashore from the sectional dock and 
basin, which was the first use of the basin and railway. In the following 
year another test on the relative strengths of different woods was made, on 
this occasion between teak and Puget Sound timber, the latter of which 
again carried off the honore. 

Space will not permit of entering into a full detail of the yearly occur- 
rences at the yard ; such, indeed, would but tax the patience of the reader ; 
suffice it to say, that but few idle days were admitted into tlie roll of time ; 
the construction of buildings was pushed with becoming energy, until the 
works are not to be excelled on any portion of the globe. As the Island 
looks to-day, it is a credit to all concerned ; the buildings are noble speci- 
mens of the mason's art ; the grounds are neatly laid out and pleasantly 
wooded ; while the rising ground behind shows that its cultivation has not 
been forgotten, there being 350 acres under the plough, its produce being 
entirely used for Government pui-poses, what others may say to the con- 
trary notwithstanding. 

Since the appointment of Captain Farragut, up to the present time, in- 
clusive of the present holder of the office, there have been altogether fifteen 
commandants at Mare Island, as, under : 

Commander D. G. Farragut, September 16, 1S54 ; Captain R. B. Cunning- 
ham, July 16, 1858; Captain David McDougal, March 13, 1861; Captain 
W. H. Gardner, June 5, 1861 ; Captain Thomas 0. Self ridge, May 27, 1862 ; 
Captain David McDougal, October 17, 1864 ; Commodore Thomas S. Craven, 
September 5, 1866 ; Commodore James Alden, August 1, 1868 ; Captain 
Reed Werden, March 17, 1869 ; Rear-Admiral Thomas S. Craven, April 15, 
1869; Commodore John R. Goldsborough, January 1, 1870; Commodore 
E. J. Parrott, April 15, 1871 ; Rear-Admiral Thomas 0. Selfridge, Septem- 
ber 3, 1872 ; Rear-Admiral John Rodgers, July 3, 1873; Commodore E. R. 
Calhoun, April 17, 1877. 

The Sectioned Dock: — On Mare Island, is the first erection of the kind 
ever attempted on the Pacific coast, and was commenced in the year 1852. 
It is composed of 11 sections, each 130 feet long and 33 feet wide, each sec- 
tion standing 6 inches apart. The extreme length of the construction is 
325 feet, and is capable of accommodating a ship of 3,000 tons burthen. 
The dock basin, in connection therewith, is "tOO feet long by 150 feet wide, 
with a proper depth and ways, 350 feet in length. To get a vessel on to 
the dock, it is first sunk to a sufficient distance, when she is floated on to it ; 
the water is then pumped out by steam engines, built expressly for the pur- 
pose, when the entire structure rises ; it is then floated into the basin, being 
hauled by hydraulic power ; the basin is then emptied by means of pump- 
ing, and the dock sinks on to the floor, where it becomes a fixtui'e. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. . 253 

The operation of sinking the dock, is to open the gates that are at each 
end of the main tank ; as they fill, they sink, because the combination of 
wood and iron, of which they are constructed, has made them heavier than 
water. To keep them under the command of the dock-master, the floats are 
set in operation by the machinery connected to the steam engines situated 
in the houses on top of the frame work. The master speaks not a word, 
but calls the attention of the attendants by a whistle, and by mystical signs 
conveys his orders to them, and the dock sinks slow or fast, as he wills, to 
the depth required. The gates being shut, the buoyancy of the floats keeps 
it in that position. 

The vessel is then floated in ; the centering beams or shores lowered to a 
level, run against the sides of the ship, each side being adjusted forward or 
back, till the numbers on each cori'espond. Then the vessel is in the center 
of the dock, ready to be raised. The operation of raising the dock is to 
pump the water out of the sections and keep it level with the floats. As 
the water is taken out, the dock rises. To eflect this, each section has three 
pumps on each end, each one with capacity to throw three hundred gallons 
a minute. They are connected to the machinery above by long rods, and 
run to the pump, on the deck of the section. 

When the vessel is in position, i-eady to be raised, the pumps are set in 
operation by a sign, and as soon as the sections lighten a little, the floats are 
started, and they move downwards on the gear jjosts j ust as fast as the post 
rises, so that the floats keep the same depth on the surface. When the 
vessel is lifted about twelve inches, the bilge-chocks are run under to sup- 
port her all around. They are large oak blocks, built up, one on top of 
another, and connected together by ii'on dogs, so that they can be made 
high or low, as the shape of the vessel may require. These slide on ways 
fastened to the deck of the section, and are held to them under water by 
bended iron clamps, that slide freely. They are di'awn under the vessel by 
rope and chain, worked by the attendants on the platform of the dock. 
After the bilge-chocks are set the dock is put in full operation. The floats 
keep it traveling, by the fast or slow machinery, as the pumps discharge 
the water, causing the dock to rise, the master governing the operation as 
he wills, stopping each pump as his judgment dictates and the necessities of 
the operation requires, till the dock is above water. 

The Stons Dock: — Now in course of construction, will be, when finished, 
the finest piece of workmanship of its kind in the United States. Its 
dimensions are : 

Feet. 

Length between inside line of invert and first altar 418. 

Length of keel block fi'om inside of caisson 440. 

Length froui outside line of apron to outside line of invert. 7.9 

Length of invert 41. 



254 . THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Eeet. 

Width of floor 30. 

Width of floor on lino of keel blocks 58. 

Extreme length of dock over all 525.9 

Extreme length of invert over all 126. 

Extreme length of invert, inside 114. 

Depth of water at mean high tide on invert 27.6 

Depth of water at mean high tide on floor of dock 32. 

Width of entrance to dock 78. 

The cost of this prodigious undertaking was estimated at $2,149,099; 
the masonry alone being put down at $1,307,877 ; but concrete has been 
substituted instead of mason work, as was originally intended, whereby, 
the expense, it is expected, will be lessened by at least twenty per cent. The 
cost, up to the fiscal year, ending June 30, 1879, will be $1,094,146 73. It 
is built on the principle of an inverted arch, the pressure being entirely 
from the outside towards the centre ; this design serving the purpose of 
keeping the floor intact should the contingency arise of water sapping 
underneath. The concrete work, which is, as it were, the shell of the struct- 
ure, is quite new to America, the idea having been brought from France by 
Mr. Calvin Brown, the Civil Engineer of the dock ; while the lining is of 
dressed granite ; the flooring is composed of granite blocks, averaging five 
and a half tons in weight, which are placed in position by means of a der- 
rick, and what is technically known as a " Lewis," an iron pin, which is 
larger at the bottom end than at the top, having a wedge of iron fitted into 
it, and fixed in a socket in the block. The strain of hoisting causes this 
to tighten, making the hold secure, while to disengage it requires but a few 
taps of the hammer. The blocks, by these simple contrivances, are moved 
at will, and eventually rested on a thickness of four feet of concrete. In 
connection with this undertaking, there is a concrete mixing machine, which 
is fitted at the top with two hoppers, into which gravel and sand are put ; 
when started, the contents of the two hoppers meet before arriving on the 
second floor, where another one is met charged with cement; hereafter 
they shoot down in a zig-zag fashion towards the floor of the dock, mixing 
as they descend, until it is discharged, amalgamated in proper proportions. 

It was originally intended to construct the dry dock entirely of rubble 
stone work, but this substitution of concrete will be a vast saving to the 
Government. The building is provided at its upper end with two timber 
shoots, while its sides will be constructed after the manner of a staircase. 
When completed the largest men-of-war that float will be able to be repaired 
at Mare Island ; no little source of pride in itself, yet it is unfortunate that 
for want of suflicient appropriations by the Government the work can not 
be proceeded with as rapidly as could be desired, while it is feared that a 
delay of year after year may have the effect of weakening some portions of 
the work when nothing but dire catastrophe would result. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 255 

Water: — Is supplied to the Navy Yard by the Vallejo City Water Com- 
pany to the extent of 1,000,000 gallons a month, transmitted to the island by 
means of a submarine cast iron pipe with flexible joints, a distance of two 
thousand feet across the bed of the straits. Besides this quantity, which is 
used in the ofticers' quarters and machine shops, there are thirteen cisterns, 
capable of containing 1,500,000 gallons of rain water, while there is a reser- 
voir, built during the time of Admiral Rogers' command, which cost !ii35,0()0 
(received over and above the appropriations made during his term of office). 
It is 680 feet in length, with an average width of 265 feet, a depth of 32 
feet, and a capacity at present of only 14,000,000 gallons, which could be 
considerable increased by further excavation. Connected with the reservoir 
is a tunnel, to connect with the supply pipe, 600 feet long, which is laid in 
concrete and will fill all the ditches, which are about three miles in length 

Foundry and Machine Shop: — Which comprises the following divisions, 
viz.: the foundry, machine, boiler, blacksmith, pattern and coppersmith's 
shops, is situated at the northeast end of the island and is a magnificent con- 
struction of red brick. The dimensions of the machine shop are 365x55, 
and contains an upper story which is used as the pattern shop. In the lower 
story of this building are located all the different appliances requisite to turn 
out the very heaviest machinery which might be required for naval pur- 
poses, all of which are put in motion by a condensing engine of eighty horse 
power. The foundry, forming a wing of this building, has the capacity of 
making castings of 100 tons, and has room to employ 150 moulders. The 
Hoor is 300 feet long by 60 feet wide, and has a depth of 6 feet of moulding 
sand, which is procured from San Francisco. Within the structure are five 
cranes, these having a lifting power of 15 tons, while the others are capable 
of hoisting 25 tons ; there are also four cupolas for melting iron, with the 
following capacity: two of 40 tons, one of 20, and one of 10 tons ; in connec- 
tion with these are two ladles of 20 and 10 tons respectively, while there are 
three ovens, used for drying purposes, with tracks and carriages to match, of 
the respective measurements of 20x40, 12x20, and 8x15 feet. The foundry is 
als(j supplied with ten brass furnaces, while the elevators and blowers are 
worked by a separate engine of 20 horse-power. When these works were 
visited moulding for a screw propeller for the U. S. S. "Iroquois" was 
being made, which, when finished, will have a weight of about 8,000 lbs. 
avoirdupois. Castings of 8-inch water pipes, for the use of the yard, were 
being also proceeded with. 

The Ordnance Department : — Is in keeping with the other remarkably 
elegant buildings with which the Navy Yai'd abounds. It consists of the 
Ordnance Store-house of 200x60 feet, two stories in height, and built of 
brick ; the Shell House, also of brick, of one story, and occupying a space 



256 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of 25x28 feet, and two Gun carriage sheds, one of brick and the other of 
wood, having a measurement respectively of 150x30 and 100x45 feet. In 
connection with this branch are two magazines, one of one story in height, 
fire and bomb-proof, 160x50, and the other 100x45, both being constructed 
of stone and brick, while in addition there are the Filling House and Shell 
House, each 100x30 feet, and the Gunner's and Watchman's Quarters. The 
Magazine Reservation alone occupies an area of 22.45 acres, and is situated 
at the extreme southern end of the island ; in the building are included 
the Filling and Shell houses referred to above, there being also tanks to 
hold powder and other rooms appertaining to buildings of this nature ; the 
entire structure is covered with a slate roof. The precautions against fire 
are numerous and ample. In close proximity to it is a reservoir containing 
one million gallons of water, which would be used if needed to flood the 
magazine ; in addition, no vegetation of any kind whatsoever is permitted 
to grow near the jjremises, for fear of ignition ; no painting is done on any 
portion of the edifice, lest that the oil should by chance ignite, while a par- 
ticular costume is worn by the employes, (a long smock-frock and shoes of 
canvas with soles of chamois leather) so that buttons, nails or like sub- 
stances may not be hastily struck and cause a spark. 

On the Yard there is altogether stored about 500,000 pounds of powder ; 
100,000 projectiles (shot and shell) varying from 12 to 400 pounds ; 644 
ordinary cannon, howitzers and large guns, the largest size being 15 inches 
in diameter, the smallest 4| inch or 12-pounder howitzers ; of small arms, 
i. e., rifles, bayonets, cutlasses, boarding pikes, etc., thei'e are 2,722, all of 
which are intended purely for the fitting out of United States vessels- of -war. 

This establishment is the very perfection of neatness, indeed so are all 
of the others, and finds continuous employment for thirteen men, while it 
is the only department on the Yard that has telephonic communication with 
the oflice of the Commandant. 

Cotistruction and Repwir Workshops : — Are of two stories in height, built 
of brick and cover an area of 400x65 feet. The first of these is used as a 
block, boat and cooper's shops, with convenient tool-rooms attached. The 
upper floor of the building is occupied by the oflice for tins depai-tment, as 
also the workshops of the pattern makers and shipwrights. 

TIw Construction and Repair Store Houses :- — Are also of brick, of two 
stories, and occupy a space of 400x65 feet. It is used entirely for the 
storage of all articles of ship chandlery, with the exception of a small space 
in the east end of the second story, which is occupied by the store clerks, 
and the 

Bureau of Navigation : — Whose particular duties are to supply such ship's 
gear as charts, compasses, chronometers, nautical instruments generally, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO OOITNTV. ^ 257 

lanterns, and all lights and flags. In this ofSce are stored the charts of 
every known survey in the universe, while there are on its shelves a large 
and complete collection of the best works bearing on nautical lore. 

The Smitliery : — Is one of the first buildings erected after Mare Island be- 
came the property of the United States Government, and is thus appor- 
tioned ; the main structure is 2G8x.55 feet, and has, two wings, each of 
145x5.5 feet. The first named, and the northern wing, is u.sed by the Bureau 
of Construction and Repair as Blacksmiths' and Coppersmiths' shops, while 
in the south wing are contained the Blacksmith shop and Gas Works, under 
the direction of the Bureau of Yards and Docks. 

The Blackmiiiths Shop: — Is a marvel of cleanliness and neatness. Its 
capacity is sixty fires, the forges being all of cast iron with improved water 
backs. There are three steam hammers in use: the first with 100 pounds oi 
steam has a striking force equal to 30 tons ; the second, under like circum- 
stances, 10, and the third 5 tons. In addition, there are two hollow fires, 
or forges ; 4 feet 4 Blooming furnaces with a capacity of 600 pounds per 
hour; 2 large cranes capable of raising 30 cwt. each; 1 Sturtevant blower 
with capacity for 60 fires ; 3 eyebolt steam dropping hammers used for 
stamping work, the whole machinery being driven by an engine of 24-horse 
power. 

Blacksmith's Shop, (Yards and Docks): — There are eight forges with 
Sturtevant blowers, and here is done all iron work used in the building of 
ships, hou.ses, derricks, and general work required on the Yard, including 
horseshoeing. 

Gas: — Is manufactured on the Yard from gasoline, a substance which was 
formerly procured from rosin and fish oils, but now it is the first running 
from petroleum. The consumption of the oil is about 850 gallons a month, 
pj'oducing 175 cubic feet of gas per gallon, with a quality of light, clear, 
good, and safe, of fifteen candle power. The manufacture of this gas, on 
Mare Island, is entirely eff'ected by one man, although there is employment 
for four ; while he has in his charge the supply of meters, lamps, etc. The 
works are well supplied with all the necessary gasfitters' tools. The 

Store House: — One of the earlier erections, is a brick building of 400 feet 
in length by 55 in width, and has, besides two stores, a cellar underneath. 
This erection is divided, the southern half being occupied by the stores 
necessary for the bureau of provisions and clothing ; while the northern 
end contains the requisite impedimenta for the bureau of steam engineering. 
Directly east of the above stands the splendid 
17 



258 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Wm'Jcshops for Equipment and Repairs: — Also a two-storied building with 
cellar, and covering an area of 190x55. In the cellar are stored such arti- 
cles as tar, oil, etc., while the two upper floors are respectively used as a 
rigging and sail loft. This is without doubt the finest erection on the Yard, 
built, as it is, entirely of compressed bricks. 

Tlie Equipment and Repairs Store House: — Is a brick building two stories 
in height, of the area of 200x60 feet, and used entirely for the storing of 
sails, cordage, and general running gear. 

• Yards and Docks Workshops: — This erection occupies 400x60 feet of 
ground, is also of two stories, the first being used as a machine shop, lumber, 
and store room ; while the upper is apportioned into joiners' shop, paint 
shop, and oflices. 

Iron Plating Shop: — Is a one-story brick building of 200x70 feet dimen- 
sions, with a wing 58x60. It is erected on the site of tlie old ordnance 
building, but is at present unfinished. 

Saio Mill:— The main building of this establishment is 150x55, having 
two stories, with a cellar. There is also a brick wing attached 55x55, one 
story in height. The cellar and first story of this building are used as the 
saw mill, and the second as a mould loft. 

Timber Shed: — Is a one-story brick edifice 200x70 feet, used for the pur- 
pose which its name denotes. 

The Office Building. — This .structure is of most elegant design, and 
commands an imposing position on a knoll in the centre of the other con- 
structions. It occupies a space of 130x50 feet; is of two stories in height, of 
brick, with a cellar, used as a store room, boiler room, water closets, etc. 
The first story is devoted to the offices of the Paymaster and clerks ; Exec- 
utive officer ; Naval Constructor, clerks, and draftsmen ; Civil Engineer, 
clerks, and draftsmen ; Assistant Naval Constructor and Post office. The 
second story is occupied by the Commandant, clerks, printer, school room, 
watchman, library, and court room, used temporarily as a chapel. 

Marine Barracks: — Is a two-storied brick building of 500x40 feet, wherein 
are the men's quarters, armory, store room, etc., as well as the residences of 
the officers of that corps, the Commandant having a house in the reserva- 
tion, which comprises an area of 24.68 acres, or thereabouts. 

Yard Stables: — ^A two-.storied brick building 150x40 feet, the upper 
portion being used for the storage of grain, hay, etc., while the lower one is 
divided into stables for mules and horses, cart sheds, etc. 

Barn: — Is a wooden structure 150x40 feet. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 259 

Naval Hospital: — This noble structure is located on the southern part of 
the island, near to and on a line with the Marine Barracks, and is a build- 
ing worthy of a great government. It is 250 feet long, with an average 
width of 30 feet, with wings and pi-ojections, three stories and an attic in 
height, with Mansard roof. It is an imposing edifice of elegant design, 
and, from its elevated position, can be seen afar off. The building is of 
brick, of which one million and a half were required. The walls are of 
great thickness, and the entire superstructure is of unusual solidity. It is 
hard finished throughout, and the inside wood-work is of white pine. The 
whole structure is arranged with special reference to the object to which it 
is devoted, note having been made of all the recent improvement in this 
regard, including an elevator, whereby patients and goods are raised and 
lowered, with ease and conrfort, from one part of the building to another. 
Particular attention has been paid to light and ventilation. Water tanks 
of large dimensions are placed upon the roof, and a cistern for rain water has 
been built. In a word, it is all a firSt-class hospital building should lie. To 
it is attaclicd a stable and gas house. The reservation, in which the hos- 
pital buildings stand, occupies an area of about 31.21 acre.s. 

In addition to these already-mentioned buildings, there are the officers 
quarters, including the residence of the Commandant, all of which (five and 
a half double and one single house) are built on a beautiful avenue some 
distance back from the water front and parallel with it. They are a few 
yards from the sidewalk and possess well laid out gardens in front of them ; 
while on the outside of the walk there is a row of magnificent shade trees. 
The rooms are .spacious and have all the modern improvements, including 
gas, bath-rooms, etc. 

Among tlie other most prominent erections on the yard are the Bishop's 
derrick, capable of raising forty tons; the railroad track, laid from the 
foundry to the .saw-mill, a distance of about 3,000 feet ; and the Kearsarge 
column, on the capital of which stands the "fiddle," or figure-head of that 
famous vessel, while there is a cemetery and light-house resei-vation, which 
comprise 6.G5, and 4.89 acres respectively. 

The following is a list of the naval, marine, and civil officers and attaches 
of the Navy Yard and Station, Mare Island, on March 29, 1879: — Commo- 
dore Edmund R. Calhoun, Commandant; Captain P. C. Johnson, Executive 
Officer. Comrtiandant's Office: — William R. Cox, Jr., Chief Clerk; C. W. 
Mornington, Second Clerk; B. F. Calhoun, Writer. Department of Yardti 
and Docks: — Calvin Brown, Civil Engineer; E. A. Willats, Engineers' and 
Time Clerk; C. C. Hall, Store Clerk; Thomas O'Connor, Writer. Depart- 
ment of Navigation: — Commander C. J. McDougal, Navigation Officer; 
Lieutenant-commander, Charles H. Craven; Lieutenants, Leonard Chenery, 
C. W. Christopher; Master, J. S. Abbott; Clerk, Wm. G. Overend. Depart- 



260 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

merit of Orcbnaivx: — Commander C. J. McDougal, Ordnance officer; Gun- 
ner E. A. McDonald, in charge of magazine; E. J. Overend, Clerk. Depart - 
ment of Construction and Repair: — Naval Constructor, George W. Much; 
Assistant Naval Constructor, George F. Mallett; Constructors' and Time 
Clerk, George W. Simonton; Store Clerk, John A. Day; Writers, John O. 
Watkins, Herbert Mallett, N. B. Klink. Department of Steam Engineer- 
Ing: — Chief Engineer, M. Fletcher, in charge of department; Chief Engin- 
eer, Geo. F. Kutz, in charge of stores; Passed Assistant Engineer, James 
Entwistle; Engineers' and Time Clerk, A. L. Hathaway; Store Clerk, St. 
Clair Fletcher. Department of Equipment and Recruiting: — Commander, 
Louis KempfF, Equipment Officer; Boatswain, John Keating; Sailmaker, 
Thomas 0. Fassett; Clerk, A. H. McCobb. Department of Proii>iions and 
Clothing: — Pajanaster, George Cochran; Pa3rmaster's Clerk, Hobait Ber- 
rien; Writer, Daniel Hubbard. Department of Paynuister of Yard: — Pay- 
master, George E. Hendee; Paymaster's Clerk, L. T. Binder; Writer, G. S. 
Grecfson. Department of Mediciiie and Surgery- — Naval Hospital: — 
Medical Inspector, John M. Browne; Passed Assistant Sirrgeons, R. A. Mar- 
mion, Hampton Aulick; Assistant burgeon, C. H. H. Hall; Apothecary', 
John G. Taylor: Navy Yard Surgeon, George W. Woods; Apothecary, 
John R. WTiittaker. Marine Barracks:— ^a,]ov C. D. Hebb, U. S. M. C, 
Commanding; First Lieutenants, 0. C. Berryman, H. G. Ellsworth; Second 
Lieutenant, Andrew Stevenson. Receiving-ship Independence: — Captain 
John Irwin, Commanding; Lieutenant-commander, Samuel S. Wilson; En- 
sitrn, N. R. Usher; Mate, P. C. Van Buskirk; Passed Assistant Paymaster, 
Fred C. Alley; Assistant Surgeon, D. O. Lewis; Paymaster's Clerk, John 
A. Kelly; Boatswain, J. Hai'ding; Gunner, Stephen Yoimg. 

There are at present the following vessels of the XJ. S. Navy In Ordinary 
at the Yard, Mare Island: Sailing sloop-of-war "Cyane;" steam sloops-of- 
war "Iroquois," (old) "Mohican," " Narragansett," "Nyack," "Saco," "Benicia," 
and the iron-elads "Monadnock," and " Comanche." In commission, are the 
frigate "Independence," steam-tug "Monterey," and yard-schooner "Freda." 
There have been built, and are now building, the U. S. side-wheel steamer 
"Saginaw," and the steam sloop-of-war (new) "Mohican." The first of these 
was constructed in the year 1859, and was of the following dimensions: 
Register length, 158 feet; breadth, 26 feet; depth, 11.3 feet, and tonnage, 
282 tons; she was wi-ecked on Ocean Island, in October, 1870. In refer- 
ence to the loss of this vessel, the following interesting record, which is 
attached to one of her boats, now suspended in the construction-store, 
is produced: "Gig of the U. S. S. "Saginaw," which vessel was 
wTecked on Ocean-island reef, Lat. 28 deg. 36 min. N., Long. 178 deg. 25 
min. W., October 29, 1870. This boat was fitted out on Ocean Island, 
manned bj' a crew of five, who volunteered to sail to Honolulu, distance 
1,600 miles, for the purpose of .saving theij- ship-mates. Sailed November 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 261 

18, 1870, arrived oft' Kanai (one of the Haiwaiian group) evening of De- 
cember 18, 1870; capsized morning of 19th of December, in surf, while 
trying to land at Kalihi, Kdai, island of Kanai. Four of the five volun- 
teers were drowned, viz.: Lieut. J. G. Talbot, drowned ; Seaman J. Andrews, 
drowned; Quartermaster P. Francis, drowned; Seaman J. Muir, drowned; 
Coxswain W. Halford, sole survivor." Halford, for his heroic conduct, was 
promoted to the rank of Gunner in the Navy, and presented with a bronze 
medal by the Government. He is now serving on board of the U. S. 
S. "Lackawanna." • 

The steam-tug "Monterey," and schooner "Freda" were also built at Mare 
Island. Besides these, the following ships have received largo repairs there : 
The sloop-of-war "St Mary's," paddle-wheel "Saranac," steam sloop-of-war 
"Onipee," "Lackawanna," "Resaca," •' Kearsarge," "Pensacola," "Benicia," 
"Tuscarora," and "Iroquois." The vessels now attached to the Pacific station 
are: "Pensacola," (fiag-ship), "Alaska," Jamestown," "Tuscarora," "Adams," 
with the store-ship "Onward" at Callao, Peru. 

In the fore-going remarks mention has been made of the "Monadnock." 
She now lies in honorable retirement in the straits at Mare Island, her sides 
and turrets showing the marks of having been in many a hard-contested 
fight prior to having made the risky journey around "The Horn." A new 
"Monadnock" is now being built, a few remarks on which we append: The 
"Monadnock," United States double-turretted monitor now in course of con- 
struction at Vallejo, is an item of considerable historic interest to the county, 
more especially in regard to its shipping interest. The Navy Department 
at Washington having, foi' some reason best known to themselves, granted 
the building of this craft to private indiv-iduals, under the plea that it could 
be so done at a less cost than if built in any of their own yards, gave the 
contract to Mr. Phineas Burgess, of Brooklyn, New York, to construct a ves- 
sel to take the place of the old ship of the same name, bringing into use what- 
soever portion of her gear as might be found suitable ; the work carried on 
to be under the supervision of the Government Naval Inspector; Mr.Bui-gess 
having as his representative Mr. Wm. W. Vanderbilt, for many years con- 
nected with the service of the Pacific Mail Company, on this coast as well as 
elsewhere. There were three separate contracts entered into: First, the 
frames, deck-beams, etc., were to be erected by Mr. Burgess ; second, the plat- 
ing-contract, as it may be called, was to put on the inner and outer skin, com- 
plete all bulkheads and the iron deck-plating; and third, to place the armor 
and its backing, to remove the turrets from the old "Monadnock" and erect 
them on the present ship ; to lay wooden berth and main decks, and other- 
wise to complete the monitor for sea to the approval of the Government 
Inspector. 

The dimensions are as under: Length between perpendiculars, 250 feet; 
length over all, 263. 6 feet; bi'eadth moulded and lower side of armor shelf 



262 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

55.0i feet; breadth, moulded abreast the armor, 50.8^ feet; breadth, ex- 
treme, over armor, 55.10 feet; depth, from bottom of flat keelson plate to 
top of main deck-beams, 14.8; projection of ram built in hull, 10 feet. 

The vessel is to all intent^s a double one, she having both an inner and an 
outer skin, the thickness of the latter being | and f inches thick, while | 
inches is the dimensions of the former. Between these two skins there are 
84 water-tight compartments, which will add materially to her natural 
buoyancy, there being besides three athwart ship water-tight bulkheads, 
which are more particularly to keep her afloat should any unforeseen dis- 
aster occui\ Her turrets, which are to be two in number, will carry two guns 
in each, of 15-inch calibre. She will be driven by two pair of compound 
engines of 500 hoi-se-power each; she will be provided with a twin-screw 
propeller of 11 feet in diameter; all her machinery will be below the water 
line ; her outside armor plates will be 7 inches in thickness of solid iron, 
and will extend for three feet below the water line ; her smokestack is to 
be armored for a certain distance ; it will also have a telescopic working ; 
she will be rigged with one mast; her di'aft will be 14 feet; she will have 
■ a freeboard, i. e., there will be exposed above the Avater 30 inches of plat- 
ing, and her displacement is calculated to be about 5,000 tons. When 
ready for sea the " Monadnock " will be supplied with a steam launch, and 
the other necessary small boats, five in number, and her complement of of- 
ficers and men will be one hundred and fifty. 

Unfortunately work progresses but slowly on thi.s magnificent specimen 
of naval architecture for want of the necessary Government appropriations ; 
were such to be made she could be completed in a year, but under present 
circumstances it is hard to say when she mil be launched and ready for 
sea. Were the work proceeded with, it could not be otherwise than a great 
boon to Vallejo, for a decided impetus would be naturally imparted to labor, 
and bring money, that source of all good, into circulation. 

In concluding this sketch of Mare Island's admirable ^avy Yard, and 
with it the Township of Vallejo, no more appropriate leave can be taken 
than by introducing the story of that maritime pioneer which now lies so 
peacefully alongside the sea-wall of the Ai-senal. 

The " iTidependence." — The " Guerriere," 44, the first frigate that had 
been put into the water, on the seaboard, by the American Government 
since the year 1801, was launched at Philadelphia June 20, 1814. It was 
intended that the " Independence," 74, should have gone ofi" the same day 
at Boston, but .she stuck on the ways. She was got safely into the water 
on the 20th July, however, and wa.s the first two-decked ship that ever 
properly belonged to the American NaAy, the " America," 74, haAang been 
given to the King of France while yet on the stocks. 

Cooper's Naval History thus gives us the date when the old ship was 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 263 

launched, to do her part in showing to the world- the American flag, and, if 
necessary, to protect it from and to resent its insults. She made her first 
cruise as flag-ship of Commodore Bainbridge, in the Mediterranean sea. 
She was commanded on this cruise by Captain William McCrane, and then 
by Captain C. G. Ridgeley, sailing from Boston on July 3, 1815, and fin- 
ishing the cruise by arriving at the same port on December 7, 181.5. 

Her second cruise was as flag-ship of Commodore J. B. Nicholson, to 
Europe and Brazil. Commanded by Lieutenant Alexander Slidell, she 
sailed from Boston on May 21, 1837, carrying out Mr. Dallas, as the Amer- 
ican Minister to Russia, and arriving at Cronstadt on the 29th July. After 
leaving her distinguished passenger with our friends at Cronstadt, she 
sailed for the Brazil station, stopping a few days at Madeira. Finishing 
her duty in Brazil, she returned home, arriving at New York March 30, 
1840, under the command of Lieut. John Pope. 

Her third cruise as th^ flag-ship of Commodore Charles Stewart, was 
made in the home or West India squadron. She sailed from New York 
May 14, 1842, and went to Boston, where Capt. L. Gallagher was relieved 
by Capt. H. Stringham as Commanding Ofticer. She then sailed from Bos- 
ton on September 29th, and made her cruise about the " Indies," returning 
to New York. Sailing again from that city on June 2, 1843, she visited 
different ports on the coast and returned to her station, Boston, on Decem- 
ber 3, 1843. 

Her next cruise was to the Pacific Coast, bearing the flag of Commodore 
William B. Shubrick, and commanded successively by Capt. E. A. Lavalette 
and Lieutenant R. L. Page. Sailing from Boston on the 29th August, 1846, 
and stopping at the different ports of the coast, visiting San Francisco 
several, times, and making a safe and successful cruise, she returned to Nor- 
folk, Va., on the 23d May, 1849. 

Her fifth cruise then was made by going a second time to the Mediter- 
ranean. This cruise she bore the flag of Commodore C. W. Morgan, and 
was commanded by Captain T. A. Conover, at her sailing from Norfolk on 
July 26, 1849. During most of the cruise she was commanded by Com- 
mander George S. Blake, and returned to Norfolk on the 25th June, 1852, 
under command of Captain William Jameson. 

The last cruise the old vessel made was in 1855 as flag ship of Commo- 
dore William Marvine. Captain W. B. Nicholson was Elect Captain, and 
Captain Tatnall Commander of the ship. Since then her cruising days are 
over and she has been used as a receiving ship both at San Francisco and 
Vallejo, and has often changed commanders. Among them were Captains 
Carter, Shirley, Phelps, Commander Gherardi and other distinguished officers. 
She now lies securely moored and comfortably roofed in as a home for old 
men-of-war's men, some of whom knew her when she was first launched, 
and raw recruits who take their first lessons in drill. 



264 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

The old ship although launched too late for the war of 1812 has done 
good service, especially while on the Pacific Coast under command of Com- 
modore Shubrick, for the " Independence " crew and officers figured in almost 
every action with the Mexican towns of the coast, and Cooper gives several 
instances where the American flag was hoisted on shore in token of victory 
under a salute from the guns of this vessel. 

She was superintended in her building by Commodore W. B. Shubrick, 
and the solidity of her timbers and knees and their present freedom from 
rot show the care used and skill exercised in the performance of his duty. 
Built as a 74, it was found that she carried, on her first cruise, the sills of 
her midships lower-gun-deck-ports only three feet above water. She was 
razeed in 1836, thereby making her a 54 gun frigate ; and besides being the 
first double decked ship that ever went to sea under the American flag, she 
was the first 74 that was converted in the U. S. Navy. 

" She was always called a good sailor and said to behave well at sea. 
During her cruise in the Pacific from 1846 to 1849 she avei'aged 140 knots 
per 24 hours for 400 coirsecutive days." Her record also says, " Is sure in 
stays, stiff" under canvass, inclined to gripe, and is hard on her cables." 
(1849-52) " It has been recommended to dispense with the popo and top- 
gallant fore-castle, and ten tons of ballast ; to shorten the lower masts, and 
to do away with the tiller on the gun-deck, as it interferes with the work- 
ing of stern guns." 

The good old vessel is now stationed at Mare Island Navy Yard as a 
receiving ship, and she is as sound in every respect as she was fifty years 
ago. Although the new order of ships of war have come into use, there are 
none that are built more substantially than the " Independence." 

The seclusion of Vallejo harbor with its beautiful surroundings, is a fit 
retirement for this Naval Argonaut of California. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 265 



RIO VISTA. 



BY L. L. PALMER, A. M. 



Geography. — The township of Rio Vista is situated at the extreme north- 
eastern corner of Solano county. It is bounded on the north by Maine 
Prairie township and Yolo county, on the east and south by the Sacramento 
river, on the west by Montezuma and Maine Prairie township. Its botmd- 
ary line runs as follows : Beginning at a point on Sutter slough wliere the 
Yolo county line intersects said slough ; thence in a southerly direction 
along the bank of said slough to its junction with Steamboat slough, a dis- 
tance of about four miles ; thence southwesterly along the bank of Steam- 
boat (or Marietta) slough to its junction with Cache slough, a distance of 
about six miles ; thence in a southwesterly direction along the west bank 
of the Sacramento river to the intersection of the Montezuma township 
line, a distance of about twelve miles ; thence north to the intersection of 
the line with the south fork of Linda slough, a distance of about thirteen 
miles ; thence easterly along the south bank of Linda slough to its intersec- 
tion with Cache slough, a distance of about live miles ; thence northeasterly 
along the east bank of Prospect slough, a distance of about two and one-half 
miles ; thence east a distance of about one mile ; thence north to the Yolo 
line, a distance of about three miles ; thence east to the point of beginning, 
a distance of about three and one-half miles. The entire distance around 
the township is tifty miles. The eastern boundary line extends along 
the Sacramento river and its tributaries, a distance of twenty miles. 
The greatest width is ten miles. The township is located in north range 
four, east two. 

Topography. — The topography of Rio Vista Township varies from the 
lowest swamp and overflowed lands to the boldest hills. The swamp lands 
lie in the northern end of the township, extending down as far as Cache 
slough, and comprising several large islands. A narrow belt of the character 
extends entirely along the eastern side, bordering on the Sacramento river. 
From Cache slough southward for a distance of from one to ten miles the 
land is very level, and is termed locally " the plains." The surface of the 
country, as we go southward from the plains, begins to undulate gently ; 
and the further south we go the more marked and distinct do the hills 
become until you i-each the very steepest and most abrupt of the famous 
Montezuma hills. From Rio Vista southward these hills come out to the 



266 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

river, presenting bold bluffs, the facade of which is broken here and there 
with canyons and ravines. The swamp lands are comprised of what is 
termed " tule lands." 

Geology. — The township does not present any marked geological character, 
yet, as far as its alluvial formation is concerned, is a study well worth the 
attention of the scientist. The tule lands are of a character similar to all 
others in the Sacramento valley, viz., an alluvial deposit intermingled with 
the deposits of decaying vegetation. The formation of these lands has nec- 
essarily been slow, and it has doubtless taken almost countless years to fill 
the great basins of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers from the Granite 
mountains, fi'om whence the supply must come. This loam extends from a 
depth of a few feet to nearly 100 feet, and the Avhole body of it is an hetero- 
geneous mass. Underneath this, and what once formed the bottom of the 
great inland sea, lies a stratum of argillacious clay called locally the " hard 
pan." The formation of the " plains " is a kind of clay, pregnant with 
alkali. Occasional spots of adobe also appear in this section. The hills are 
formed entirely of adobe, varying through all the grades of that peculiar 
soil. The formation of and peculiar phenomena presented by the hills would 
afford ample matter for a long dissertation. 

Character of Soil. — The soil of the swamp districts is a rich loam, alluvial 
in formation, and very rich and productive. Almost all kinds of grains and 
vegetables thrive well. The soil of the plains is claj-ey, and adapted mostly 
to grazing, with occasionally a small spot tit for cultivation. The hills are 
entirely adobe, and well suited for growing grain, but of little value for 
other purposes. 

Prodiwts. — The products of Rio Vista Township are as varied as the 
State of California itself. In the warm, rich loam of the lowlands are per- 
fect hot-beds, and produce almost everything. Grain, vegetables, fruits, 
berries, &c., do well. On the plains only grain grows to any extent, al- 
though there are some tine garden spots, where vegetables and fruits thrive 
with proper irrigation. The hills are adapted almost exclusively to the 
growing of grain. Wheat and barley are the cereals grown in this town- 
ship. 

Climate. — The climate of the township is quite uniform — being mild, cool 
and pleasant. The cool and refreshing trade ^vinds prevail during the sum- 
mer season, which modifies the temperature, and catises the climate to be 
the most salubrious. 

Shipping Facilities. — Probably no township in the State enjoys such 
extended shipping facilities as this. The Sacramento river extends along 
its entire eastern and southern boundaries, while Cache, Elk, Miner, and 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 267 

other sloughs extend through portions of it. Ships of any burthen can 
come to the veiy doors of the farmers and receive their products. The 
stage of water up the river as far as Rio Vista will accommodate vessels of 
any size. 

Early Settlement. — So much for the general features of the township. 
We now pass to its settlement. The earliest record we can find of any 
settlement is that established by General John Bid well, in 1844. In the 
case of John Bidwell vs. the U. S. Ulpinos grant, one Samuel J. Hensley 
testified as follows : " In the fall of 1844 I took Mr. Bidwell on board of a 
schooner to the land (Ulpinos, or Bidwell grant) with some hands to make 
a settlement. They remained there and built an adobe house, in which an 
Englishman, who had charge of the building, remained during the winter. 
The next season a small part of the land was cultivated, and in the winter 
of 1845-46 the house was occupied by P. B. Reading and hands." This 
house was located on the land now owned by Geo. H. Jenkins. The hands 
spoken of in the above were mostly Indians. There was quite a rancherie 
of them there during that and the following winter, and they were known 
as " Bidwell's Indians." During the year 1846, a party of emigrants arrived 
from the East. As this was before the days of gold, an eligible agricultural 
location was always sought for by these hardy pioneers — the advance 
ripples of the great flood-tide of immigration which was so soon destined to 
flow in upon the great Pacific shore. This party was induced by Bidwell 
to go down the Sacramento river and spend the winter on his grant, hoping 
to dispose of portions of it to them in the spring. The winter was a .severe 
one on the poor settlers, and for many days during the I'ainy season starva- 
tion seemed to stare them in the face. The Indians were reduced to a 
fearful extremity also ; and, as the days passed wearily and drearily by, 
their frequent exclamation was " hale-che-rauk," which means nothing to 
eat. For years that name was applied to the Bidwell settlement, and in 
many of the real estate tranfers on record the grant is mentioned as the 
Hale-che-muk grant. In the spring of 1847 the party of immigrants left 
never to return to Hale-che-muk, the city (?) of starvation. Most of 
them passed over into the valleys on the western side of the county, and 
some of their descendants remain there at the present time. Perhaps, before 
going further in this history, it would be well to give the recorded history 
of the Ulpinos Grant. In 1844 General John Bidwell sent the following 
petition to Micheltorena, Governor and General-Commandant of the Depart- 
ment of the Californias, under the Mexican Government : 

" Monterey, April 30, 1844. 
" To His Excellency, the Governor : 

"Juan Bidwell, native of the United States, with the most profound 
respect, presents himself and sets forth : 



268 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

" That, having been naturalized a Mexican, and desiring to devote himself 
to agricultui-e, he beseeches your Excellency to vouchsafe to grant him the 
tract known by the name of 'Sillac' or 'Ulpinos,' which tract is unoccupied. 
It consists of four ranges (sitios) for meat cattle, as shown by the design 
which he duly annexes, and its boundaries are: On the N. W. unoccupied 
lands, to the N. E., the " Ulpinos Slough," (Estero), to the S. E., the river 
Sacramento, and to the S. W. inioccujjied lands, ^^'^lerefore he praj^s your 
Excellency to vouchsafe to accede to this his humble petition, and give 
orders that said tract be adjudicated to him in colonization, wherein he will 
receive a grace. He makes the necessary verifications. 

" Juan Bidwell. 

" Monterey, April 30, 1844." 

J. A. Sutter duly certified that the tract was then occupied. Upon the 
receipt of the petition, the Secretary suggested to the Governor that it 
might be well to allow the matter to remain in suspense till such time as 
the Governor might make a visit to the river Sacramento. Whereupon the 
Governor so ordered. This evidently did not satisfy Bidwell, for we find 
that under date of July 26, 1844, the Governor issued the following order: 
" Let him occupy it provisionally till I go up, when I will dispatch the 
business." It does not appear whether Governor Micheltorena ever paid 
that visit or not, but in November, 1844, he issued the following order and 
decree : 

" Monterey, November, 1844. 

" In view of the petition, wherewith these proceedings originate, the 
re2:)0its and all other things that were brought forward, and were proper to 
to be kept in view, conformably to the laws and regulations afl'ecting the 
matter, I declare Don Juan Bidwell, a naturalized Mexican, the absolute 
owTier of the tract known bj' the name of Los Ulpinos, (here follows bound- 
ary as above) containing four ranges (sitios) for meat cattle. Let the pi'oper 
patent be issued, be entered of record in the proper book, and let these 
minutes of proceedings be forwarded to the most excellent the Departmental 
Assembly for its approval. 

" His Excellency, Don Manuel Micheltorena, Brigadier-General of the 
Mexican Ai-my and Adjutant-General of the staff of the same, Governor, 
General-Commandant and Inspector of the Department of the Californias, 
has so ordered, decreed, and subscribed, which I certify." 

Very shortly after the above was issued from the Governor-General, he 
saw fit to issue to Bidwell a true grant to the rancho in due and legal form. 
This paper bears date of November 20, 1844. The following is a copy of 
the ti-anslation of that grant as filed in the office of the Clerk of the Board 
of Land Commissionei's in San Francisco : 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 260 

" First-class stamp, eight dollars. Issued provisionally by the Customs 
of the Port of Monterey, in the Department of the Califoi'nias, for the years 
1844 and 1845. 

[seal.] " MiCHELTORENA, 

" Pablo de la Guerra. 

" The citizen, Manuel Michelt'a, Brigadier-General of the Mexican Army, 
Adjutant-General of the staff of the same, Govei'nor, General- Commandant, 
and Inspector of the Department of the Califoi'nias." 

Wherfeas, John Bidwell, a naturalized Mexican, has solicited, for his own 
benefit and that of his family, the tract known by the name of "Los Ulpinos," 
bounded at the N. W. by waste lands, at the N. E. by the Ulpinos Pond, at 
the S. E. by the Sacramento River, at the S. W. by waste lands, the necessary 
legal steps and investigations having first been duly taken, as provided by 
the laws and regulations, by virtue of the faculties conferred on me, in the 
name of the Mexican nation, I have come to grant to him the tract afore- 
said, declaring the same to be his property, by these presents, letters subject 
to the approval of the Hon. Departmental Assembly, under the following con- 
ditions : 

1st. He shall have no power to sell it, to alien it, to encumber it with 
rent-roll, lien, bond, mortgage or other encumbrance of any kind, nor shall 
he even have power to donate it. 

2d. He may fence it without, prejudice it without, prejudice to the 
cross-roads, highways and rights of way, he shall enjoy it freely and exclu- 
sively, applying it to the use or custom which best may suit him, but within 
one year he shall construct a house which shall be inhabited. 

3d. After confirmation to him of the title, he shall solicit from the Judge 
who has jurisdiction that judicial possession be given to him, by virtue of 
the grant, and thereby shall be marked out the Ijoundaries, in the lines of 
which he shall place, beside the corner maik.s', some fruit or forest trees of 
some utility. 

4th. The tract hereby conceded is of four (sitios) i-anges of large cattle, as 
set forth by the design relating hereto. The Judge who may give posses- 
sion will cause the same to be measured according to law, the surplus remain- 
ing the property of the nation for its own proper use and benefit. 

5th. If he shall break these conditions he .shall lose his rights to the tract, 
and it may be claimed by others. 

Wherefore, I order that these presents, being his title deeds, be considered 
firm and valid, that they be recorded in the proper book, and delivered to 
the party in interest for his security and other uses. 

Given at Monterey, November 20, 1844. 

Manuel Micheltorena. 

Manuel Jimeno, Secretary. 

This grant is recorded in the proper book, pp. 12 se. 

Jimeno. 



270 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT. 

In a fe^v yeai-s more the Mexicaai Government lost its claim to California' 
and Biihvell thinking, doubtless that the obligations which bound him not 
to dispose of any portion of the grant were null and void, began to sell por- 
tions of the grant. The fii-st sale was made to Jacob D. Hoppe and Lucy 
Hoppe, his wife, deed bearing date of October 15, 1847. The consideration 
was S500, and the land tiansferred wa« " an undivided one-fourth of the 
tract of land known by the name of ' Hela Chammac,' " being one league 
square. The deed was a wainanty deed, and was witnessed by L. W. Boggs. 
It was acknowledged before George Hj-de, 1st Alcalde of San Fi-ancisco. 
Numerous other tracts were disposed of by BidweU, all being undivided 
fractional portions of the gi'ant. A full list of these transfers will be found 
in the list of transfei-s fai'ther on. 

Aft*?r the United States obtained possession of California the titles of 
Mexican gi-ants began to get a little " shaky," and requii'ed, in many instances, 
a considerable " bracing up." This grant was no exception to the rule, 
and we find that on the 3d day of September, 1852, John Bidwell brought 
liis claims to the Ulpinos grant before the Board of Land Commissioners at 
San Francisco for conlirmation. The matter was before the commissioners 
for a long time, and on the I7th day of January, 1854, " Commissioner 
Thompson Campbell delivered the opinion of the Board confirming the claim." 
The opuiion of the Board is a full and complete; review of the case in all its 
legal and historical bearings, and is well worthy a perusal. The measure- 
ment of the grant was now declared to be 20,000 vai-as by 5,000 varas, con- 
taining four leagues. On September 13, 1854, the L^^nited States took the 
initiatory steps toward appealing the case to the United States District Court. 
The appeal was filed July IG, 1855, and petitioned the Court for a revei-sal 
of the decision of the Commissionei's. John Bidwell filed his answer on the 
20th of July, 1855, and prayed that the decision of the Board be affirmed. 

On the 29th day of October, 1855 the decree of tlie L^nited States District 
Court for the Northern District of California, Ogden Hoffiuan, Jr., Judge, 
was filed, confirming the decision of the Conmiissionei-s. On the 10th day 
of January, 1857, Hon. Caleb Cushing, Attorney General of the United 
States, wrote to Wm. Blandmg, U. S. District Attorney, stating that this case 
would not be prosecuted any farther by tlie United States. Upon receipt 
of this letter the Unit-ed States District Attorney instructed Judge Hofihian 
to make the iinal decree of confirmation. This final decree of confirmation 
was made by Judge Ogden Hofiinan on the 21st day of March, liS57. The 
matter ran along very smoothly for nearly ten yeai-s, when a patent was 
issued by the United States to John Bidwell for the grant. This patent is 
dated August 9, 186(.i, and is signed by A. Johnson, President. The num- 
ber of acres contained in this grant, as specified by the Surveyor Genei^al, is 
seventeen thousand, seven hundred and twenty-six (17.726). So much for 
tlie legal historj,- of the grant insomuch as John Bidwell is concerned and the 
validity of his title tait. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 271 

Proceedings in Partition. — From time to time Bidwell had sold to vari- 
ous parties undivided fractional portions of the grant, until it was in a 
badly jumbled state, as regards boundary lines. On the 10th day of August, 
1855, in the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District, in and for 
Solano county, one of the claimants, Samuel J. Hensley, entered a suit for 
partition. At that time the ownership was vested as follows : Samuel J. 
Hensley, one-eighth ; Sarah B. Gillespie, one-sixteenth ; Chas. R. Bond and 
J. Tuttle Smith, assignees of C. V. Gillespie, one-fourth ; Alex. G. Abell, one 
twenty-fourth ; E. H. Board, one twenty-fourth ; Phoebe S. Van Nostrand, 
one thirty-second ; Charles L. Rt)ss, one-twelfth and one-eighteenth ; D. L. 
Ross, one-twelfth, also an intei'est in 2,000 acres claimed by Chas. L. Ross ; 
I. C. Woods, an interest in 2,400 acres of the interest of Chas. L. Ross ; John 
Denn, one-eighteenth ; Hiram Grimes, one thirty-second ; David N. Hawley, 
one thirty-second ; John Curry, one thirty-second ; R. B. Norman, one-six- 
teenth, including the claim of John Curry ; Samuel Price and Fred. Green, 
(Price & Co.), an interest in the interest of R. B. Norman ; Mary P. Buckley, 
two hundred and fifty-four thousandths ; Chas. L. Ross also claimed seven 
hundred and sixty-four thousandths by virtue of a tax title. It was prayed 
by the plaintifi' that a sale be made and the proceeds equally divided among 
the claimants. Col. N. H. Davis was the attorney for plaintiff. Due sum- 
mons was to said claimants issued from the Court. Several of them filed 
answei's, all favoring the idea of an equitable and legal adjudication of the 
entire matter. B. C. Whitman, of Benicia, was appointed as referee. The 
referee proceeded at once to make arrangements for the sale. The entire 
rancho was divided into twenty equal tracts, the measurement being made 
along the river front, and extending back one league. The sale occurred on 
the 3d day of December, 1855, in front of the Court House door in the town 
of Benicia. The purchasers and the amount given for each tract is as 
follows : Lot No. 1, N. H. Davis, .$125 ; No. 2, Josiah Knowles ; $141 ; No. 
3, N. H. Davis, $40 ; No. 4, J. Denn, $225 ; No. 5, C. V. Gillespie, $250 ; No. 
6, A. G. Abell, $275 ; No. 7, same, $220 ; No. 8, S. C. Hastings, $200 ; No. 
9, C. V. Gillespie, $145 ; No. 10, same, $150 ; No. 11, S. C. Hastings, $185 ; 
No. 12, J. Wilcoxson, $55 ; No. 13, C. V. Gillespie, $80 ; No. 14, N. H. Davis, 
$80; No. 15, .same, $.50; No. 16, same, $50; No. 17, same, $95; No. 18. 
Robt. Beasley, $75 ; No. 19, same, $75 ; No. 20, same, $75. Total, $2,591, 
In less than a quarter of a century the value of this land has advanced so 
much that at a forced sale, similar to this one, it would doubtless be sold 
for more than $50,000. It is noticeable that the referee was allowed $500 
for his services and costs of reference, an amount equal to about one-fifth 
of the proceeds of the sale, and that amount was taken from the proceeds 
of the sale. The desired result of the sale was secured, and there has since 
been no litigation, nor is there liable to be, as the title is almost absolutely 
perfect. 



272 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

In the year 1851 Robt. E. Beasley located on the southern end of the 
Ulpinos grant and built what was always known as the " twin houses." 
This was one of the houses which came around the horn in an early day 
already framed. The purchaser had no idea of the style of architecture 
of his house when he bought it, and was surprised when he began to con- 
struct it to find that it was framed as a double house. The site of the house 
was about 200 yards above the present location of Toland's Landing. Beasley 
established a ferry at this point, between Sherman Island and the main 
land, using a flat boat and a chain. Robt. E. Beasley was a peculiar genius ; 
a veritable Utopian. All old settlers will remember his (locally) famous 
pronunciamento of peace, issued by him during the war of the Rebellion, in 
which he supposed he had solved all the questions of dispute, and set forth 
a plan for the amicable adjustment of all differences between the North and 
South. Poor Beasley died without seeing a realization of any of his many 
vast projects, and his body was shipped by express to the nearest cemetery, 
and no friend followed him to his last resting place. 

Development. — For years the land of this township was considered fit for 
nothing but grazing purposes. It was never dreamed that grain would 
fiourish in any portion of it. Small portions of land were planted in grain 
about 18G2, and it was found that they flourished well. The year 1864 was 
exceedingly dry and crops an entire failure ; but after that the merits of 
the rich adobe soil became rapidly to be appreciated, and that township 
now ranks among the first in the county. 

Rio Vista. — Rio Vista is the only town in the township. In the fall 
of 1857, Col. N. H. Davis surveyed and recorded a town plat on lot No. 3 
of Ulpinos grant. The site of this proposed town was situated about one 
mile below the mouth of Cache slough. It was called Brozos del Rio, 
(Ai'ms of the River) from the circumstance that it was situated so near 
three branches of the Sacramento river. The name, however, was changed 
three years later to Rio Vista, (River View) at the suggestion of Mrs. Dr. 
Kirkpatrick ; a very appropriate name also. At that time Col. Davis' resi- 
dence was the only house on the site. 

The next building placed upon the town site was a store-house moved 
from Sidwell's Landing, on Grand Island, and occupied by A. G. Westgate 
for mercantile purposes. This building stood on the corner of Front and 
Main streets. This was followed in rapid succession by a butchei--shop by 
A. J. Bryant, a hotel by W. K. Squires, a blacksmith-shop by Simon Fall- 
man, a salmon cannery by Carter & Son, a store by S. R. Perry, a drug 
store by James & Thomas Freeman, (they also had an hotel), a livery- 
stable by James Hammel, and several private residences, making in all 
quite a little village. 




fp-dr 




-/u. 




THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 273 

In the spring of 1858 Colonel Davis constructed a wharf 24x75 feet. 
John M. Sidwell was the builder. In 1859 the California Steam Navigation 
Company came into pos.session *of the wharf and enlarged it to 150x48 feet. 
The magnificent steamers " New World," " Antelope," " Eclipse " and " Sen- 
ator " were then plying the Sacramento, touching daily at Rio \'ista. 

Colonel Davis established a post-office in the to^vn, probably in 1858, and 
that made it a sort of headquarters for all the surrounding country, as there 
was not an office within twenty miles at that time. 

At this time there was an untold abundance of salmon in the river, and 
hundreds of men were engaged in fishing. As there was no other landing 
between Sacramento and Benicia, there were thousands of fish shipped from 
this point daily, and, as a consequence, the town was full of men, and money 
was spent with a lavish hand. 

Everything flourished in the new town for five years, when a circum- 
stance occurred which was destined to sweep the town out of existence at 
one swoop. Sometime in the Fall of 1861 it commenced raining, and con- 
tinued almost incessantly for the fabled forty days and nights. The con- 
sequence was the water increased to unheard of heights. During the last days 
of December, 1861, the water rose high enough to sweep away all the smaller 
buildings in the town, but it was reserved for January 9, 1862, to be the 
culmination of the fearful tragedy whereby a whole village should be swept 
out of existence and its people escaping barely with their lives. On that 
day the water stood twelve feet deep at the foot of Main street. For miles, 
in all directions, the face of the earth was covered with a wild waste of 
waters. All day a fearful rain-stonn prevailed and a southeast gale swept 
over miles and leagues of seething sea. The angry waves in their wild 
confusion dashed against the buildings with giant force, and all were total 
wrecks long before night. The houseless and homeless people gathered 
together on the top of a mound a short distance below the town. They 
brought a few things with them and managed to eke out a most miserable 
existence for a few days until steamers came and took them ofi". Those 
days and nights of misery and privation are, perhaps, among the hardest 
the early pioneers of California were called upon to undergo ; and no in- 
cident recorded in song or story, either truth or romance, is more replete 
with pathos than the recital of the scenes and incidents of those eventful 
days. All that is now left to mark the site of the once thriving village are 
a few decaying piles which formed a part of the wharf. A few strangers 
sleep in unknown graves near there. Cattle now graze in peace and 
quietude where was once the busy mart of trade. 

Shortly after this, perhaps in the month of March, 1862, several of the 

former residents of the old town began casting about for a more secure 

place whereupon to pitch their tents— a location above the reach of the 

raging floods and angry waves. A party of four men, consisting of William 

18 



274 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

K. Squires, S. R. Perry, J. M. Sidwell and Isaac Dunham, went to see Mr. 
Joseph Bruning, who owned a ranch on the upper edge of the Montezuma 
hills. Negotiations were at once entered into, and the northeast corner of 
Mr. Bruning's ranch was the site chosen for the new town. Accordingly 
Mr. Bruning surveyed and recorded the town plat of " New Rio Vista," in 
1862. T. J. McWorthy, who then owned the Gardiner ranch, surveyed and 
recorded an addition to the town. Main street is located on the line of 
division of the two ranches, and the town has grown up on either side of it. 

The first store was erected by S. R. Perry. This was followed by an hotel 
by J M. Sidwell, an hotel by Wm. K. Squires, and many other bn.siness and 
private buildings. Many of the people who had lived in the old town 
settled in the new town, and went on with their former occupations just as 
if nothing had ever occurred. The new town grew ^■apidl}^ and in a short 
time far exceeded the old town. 

The post-office was established at S. R. Perry's store with S. R. Perry as 
postmaster. The wharf was built by Joseph Bruning in the Spring of 
1862. In 1866 the steamer " Yosemite " blew up at this wharf, killing 
about eighty persons. Of this number about thirty were Chinamen. 

The first church building erected in Rio Vista was the Catholic. It was 
built in June, 1868. The only other church building in town is the Con- 
gregational, which was erected in August, 1868. The first public school 
was established in the Fall of 1862. James U. Chase was the first teacher. 

The present site of Rio Vista is 64 miles from San Francisco, 50 miles 
from Sacramento and 25 miles from Fairfield. It lies on the western bank 
of the Sacramento river, in the eastern part of Solano county. It is in the 
heart of one of the most prosperous agricultural districts in the State. The 
Montezuma hills, at its back, is unrivalled for grain, and vast bodies of 
swamp and overflowed lands lie in front of it extending far away to Stock- 
ton, all in process of reclamation. These lands will prove, when reclaimed, 
to be an inexhaustible source of fruit, vegetables, grain, etc. 

There are two lines of steamers which land here, going each way, daily, 
with the addition of an occasional opposition steamer. The C. P. R. R. 
Company's steamers carry Wells, Fargo &; Go's express and the U. S. Mails. 
The California Transportation Company's steamers run up Old river, and 
ply chiefly in the fruit trade. 

Rio Vista is the present terminus of the Montezuma telegraph, which 
aflbrds gi'eat facility of connuunication with the markets, and the outside 
world generally. 

The town is supplied with water from the Sacramento river. It is lifted 
by steam and placed into large tanks situated on an eminence near the 
center of the town ; thence it is distributed through the town by mains and 
service pipe. The manager of this enterprise, R. C. Carter, is an old pioneer 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 275 

qf the town. Abundance of water can also be had by boring, and at no 
great depth. 

The great amount of hay and grain grown in this vicinity demand ware- 
houses with large storage capacity. In the town there are three, with room for 
the storage of 6,000 tons of grain and 6,500 tons of hay, while at New Town 
Landing, about a mile above Rio V^ista, there are warehouses with a storage 
capacity of 4,000 tons of grain and 3,500 tons of hay. There are also houses 
at Toland's Landing, on the river a few miles below Rio Vista, which have a 
very large storage capacity. A large portion of- the grain is also taken to 
Bird's Landing. 

For a statement of the various kinds of business conducted in the town 
we refer our readers to the business directory. Other matters of importance 
will be found under their appropriate headings. 

F. and A. M. — Rio Vista Lodge No. 208, Free and Accepted Masons, was 
organized June 5, 1870. The following named gentlemen were charter 
members : Robert Martin, G. H. Bell, C. A. Pine, Jas. Johnson, G. W. 
Kynoek, J. Pool, Chas. Martell, S. P. Sorenson and J. S. Cook. The first 
officers were: Robert Martin, W. M.; 0. A. Pine, S. W.; Geo. H. Bell, J. W. 
Following is a complete list of the W. M's from the date of organization to 
the present time : Robert Martin, 1870 ; J. S. Cook, 1871 : C. A. Pine, 
1872; Josiah Pool, 1873; Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, 1874; T. P. Emigh, 1875, 
re-elected 1876 ; Dr. M. Pietrzycki, 1877 ; Jas. Johnson, 1878. The follow- 
ing named gentlemen are the officers elect for the ensuing year : E. C. 
Doziei, W. M.; J. E. T. Smith, S. W.; W. B. Pressley, J. W.; A. H. Peterson, 
Treasurer ; J. C. Kraus, Secretary. The present membership is 43. The 
order is in a very prosperous condition. 

/. 0. 0. i^.— Rio Vista Lodge No. 180, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
was organized September 21, 1870. The following named gentlemen were 
charter members : Jas. Johnson, S. P. Sorenson, A. H. Hawley, M. S. Stone, 
John Davis and Chas. Davis. The following named members have served 
as N. G's : M. S. Stone, 1870 ; S. P. Sorenson and A. H. Hawley, 1871 ; Jas. 
Johnson and E. W. Westgate, 1872; J. D. Ingersoll and Wm. Ferguson, 
1873; J. M. Perry and Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, 1874; Jos. Nevin and J. C. 
Kraus, 1875; John O'Haraand J. E. Pratt, 1876; J. E. Pratt, (re-elected) and 
John Davis, 1877 ; A. H. Peterson and S. Neilson, 1878. Following is the 
list of officers elect for the ensuing term: Simon Neilson, N. G. ; Jerome 
Emigh, V. G.; J. C. Kraus, Secretaiy ; S. P. Sorenson, Treasurer. The pres- 
ent membership is 65. 

C. of R. C. — River View Encampment No. 6, Champions of the Red Cross, 
was organized October 4, 1872. The following is a list of its charter mem- 



276 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

bers : J. D. Ingersoll, J. D. Tillery, Wm. Ferguson, Jas. Williams, Mrs. H. 
W. Stone, S. C. Edwards, Mrs. Emeline Westgate, C. A. Pine, Mrs. M. E. 
Kraus, J. T. Hadley, R. C. Sidwell, Thos. E. Morgan, Mrs. M. E. Morgan. 
The following named persons are the ofScers elect for the ensuing term : J. 

F. Morey, Com.; Mrs. M. Davis, J. C; H. H. Hudson, R. S.; Jas. Williams, 
Treas. 

Rio Vista H. and L. Go. — The Rio Vista Hook and Ladder Company was 
organized October 21, 1871. The following named gentlemen were organ- 
izing members : S. Craner, R. C. Sidwell, Jas. Donovan, Chas. Scarlett, G. 
W. Roberts, Chas. Green, R. C. Carter, J. M. Sidwell, W. W. Elliott, Jas. 
Johnson, Geo. Clarridge and H. Craner. R. C. Carter was the lirst Fore- 
man. The company have always been in a very prosperous condition, and 
the present membership numbers 30. S. Nielson is the present Foreman, 
he Tcompany, with the aid of the citizens, has supplied the town with 72 
buckets, several hooks, ladders, axes, etc., and with their own private means 
have purchased 500 feet of four-inch hose at an expense of $300, and have 
lately constructed a building at an expense of $245. 

Congregational Church. — The " First Church of Christ in Rio Vista " was 
organized by Rev. J. H. Warren, Superintendent of the American Home 
Missionary Society for California, and Rev. S. B. Dunton, Acting Pastor 
of the Congregational Society in Rio Vista, on the 29th day of May 
1869. The following are the names of the original members of the Church: 
Rev. S. B. Dunton, Mrs. H. W. Stone, Mrs. N. J. Munson, Mrs. Virginia E. 
Brown. M. S. Stone, Jos. Munson, Dr. L. F. Dozier, Josiah Pool, Dr. S. C. 
Brown, Mrs. Mary E. Hawley, Jarvis Emigh, Peter H. Hamilton, Mrs. A. E. 
Pool, Barton Dozier, Margaret Brandon, Neil Cook, Rob't Watson, Mrs. Mary 
A. Watson, D. McCormac, Mrs. Catherine McCormac, Mrs. Ann Denoville. 
The following-named gentlemen have acted as pastors since its organization : 
Rev. S. B. Dunton, acting Pastor from May 29th to November, 1869; Rev. 
J. J. Powell, elected October 24, 1869, installed March 2, 1870; Rev. A. F. 
Hitchcock, elected December 29, 1872, installed March 19, 1873; Rev. G. F. 

G. Morgan, elected May 1, 1875; Rev. G. H. Smith, elected September 24, 
1876. The present membership is forty-six. 

Congregational Sunday School: — A Sunday School was organized in 
the Congregational Church on the 11th day of July, 1869. The following 
is the list of Superintendents and time of election: S. C. Bi-own, elected 
July 11, 1869; re-elected July, 1870. Rev. J. J. Powell, elected August 1,' 
1871; re-elected July 2, 1872; L. L. Palmer, elected July 14, 1873; Rev. 
A. F. Hitchcock, elected July, 1874; H. S. Vining, elected May, 1875; Wm. 
Ferguson, elected March, 1876, and still continues in ofSce. The present 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 277 

scholarship is about sixty-eight. The Sunday School is ably managed, and 
there is a considerable interest taken in it by the scholars and teachers. 

M. E. Church: — This Church organization was effected in the latter part 
of 1877, by Rev. T. H. Woodwai'd, who served as Pastor till September, 
1878. Rev. R. E. Wenk supplies the pulpit at present. The membership 
at present is not very large, but is increasing. They have no church build- 
ing of their own, as yet, but have a very acceptable place of worship rented. 
There is a Sunday School connected with the Church, which was organized 
December 1, 1878, with L. L. Palmer as Superintendent. The average 
attendance is thirty -five. 

Catholic Church: —Ihm was the first church edifice erected in Rio Vista. 
It was built in 1868. It is in the same parish with the church at Suisun, 
and the same priest serves at both places. The first priest who oSiciated 
here was Rev. Father Auger. He served the church until December, 1872, 
since which time Rev. Father McNaboe has officiated. The membership is 
quite large, and the church services well attended. Father McNaboe is an 
energetic, hard-working man, and is well liked by all his parishioners. 

St. Oertrudes Acadeiny : — Thhs Academy for young ladies, under the 
direction of the Sisters of Mercy, is beautifully situated on an eminence in 
the pleasant and accessible town of Rio Vista. The location is remarkably 
healthful, the building new and well furnished with all that contributes to 
the health and comfort of the pupils. The pleasure-grounds are extensive, 
and well adapted to healthful exercise. Pupils of all persua.sions are equally 
received. The course of instruction embodies all the useful branches of a 
solid education. The academy building was erected in 1876, by the munifi- 
cence of Mr. Joseph Pruning, and was formally dedicated by Bishop Ale- 
many on the 10th day of December, 1876. There are nine Sisters engaged 
in teaching, which constitutes a most efficient corps of teachers. The Acad- 
emy is justly popular with its patrons, and we are sure the time is not far 
distant when its sphere will be extended .so much that new and larger build- 
ings will be required. We bid it "God speed." 

The Public School: — The fir.st school building in Rio Vista was erected 
during the sumiper of 1862, on the site of the present building, on a lot 
donated by Joseph Pruning, for that purpose. The first teacher was James 
U. Chase, who opened the first school during the fall of 1862. We could 
find no records until the year 1870, hence are unable to give an authentic 
list of the teachers who have taught, but the following list is tolerably cor- 
rect: J as. U. Chase, Pyron Hunt, Mr. Burdell, Miss Mary Bums, Mrs. R. 
Thrush, Miss Sweetland, Miss Stone, Miss Fannie Davis. On the records 
which begin with 1870 we find the following-named teachers: Anthony 
Dozier, M. C. Winchester, H. W. Fenton, *Miss Irene Canright, W. E. Mc 



278 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Intyre, Miss V. P. Stevens, *Miss D. M. Stone, Miss Bertha A. Bicknell, 
*Miss Mary S. Warren, L. L. Palmer, *Miss Mary Linton, *Miss Jennie 
Robei-tson, M. T. Sickal, *Miss Florence Sickal. In 1871 the school was 
graded into Grammar and Primary Departments, and those marked with an 
asterisk (*) were teachers in the Primary Department. There are at present 
three grades in the school: Primary Department, Miss Florence Sickal, 
teacher; Intermediate Department, Miss .lennie Robertson, teacher; Gram- 
mar Department, M. T. Sickal, teacher. 

The present building was erected in 1875, and is a large, neat-!ooking 
structure, being truly an ornament to the town. It is two stories high, with 
basement. It contains two school-rooms on the first floor, and one school- 
room and two rooms for library purposes on the second floor. The building 
is located on a quarter-block 120x120 feet, on the corner of Fifth and Mon- 
tezuma streets. The location is very good, and is central. The following- 
named persons comprise the present Board of Trustees: Dr. M. Pietrzjxki, 
Wm. K. Squires and Wm. Ferguson. Dr. M. Pietrzycki is Clei-k of the 
Board. 

Newspapers: — On the 6th day of September, 1877, the Rio Vista Weekly 
Gleaner made its lirst appearance, being the fii-st paper ever issued in the 
town. L. L. Palmer was the editor and publisher. The printing was done 
in Suisun, at the Solano Republican office, and conjointly with that paper. 
On the 22d of September, 1877, the Rio Vista Enterprise made its appear- 
ance. John H. Whitmore and W. A. Bushnell were proprietors and pub- 
lishers. They put in a news office, type, press, etc. On the 17th of April, 
1878, L. L. Palmer opened an office in Rio Vista, putting in a full line of 
news and job type, news and job press, etc., in which the Gleaner was 
printed. The Gleaner was continued till February 22d, 1879, when it was 
discontinued, and the publisher became connected with the Solano Repub- 
lican at Suisun. The Enterprise continued for three months longer, and 
issued its last number on May 30th, 1879. 

Business Directory: — Following is a full and complete business directory 
of the town on December 31, 1878: Bruning, Jos., warehouse; Brown, B. 
B., River View Hotel; Bell, P., tin.smith; Christiensen, M., wharfinger C. P. 
R. R.; Carter, R. C, water- works ; Clarridge, Geo. A., Western Hotel ; Craner, 
S., merchandise; Craner, A. H., merchandise; Currie, John, harness-maker; 
Chase, Ed., news-dealer; Davis, C, contractor and planing-mill ; Davis, 
John, contractor and builder; Erlanger & Galinger, merchandise; Fiscus, 
John B., livery stable; Fraser, George, meat market; Fallman Bros., black- 
smiths; Ferguson, Wm„ wagon-making, etc.; Gurnee, J., saloon; Hawley, 
R. H., whai-finger C T.; Hunter, R. C, drugs and medicine ; Hadley, Sam'l 
T., blacksmith; Halderback, Jos., black.smith; Ingerso'l, J. D., fruit and 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 279 

vegetables; Johnson and Emigh, warehouse; Kiernan, Thos., undertaker; 
Kearney, Jas., boot-maker; Kalber, F., wagon-maker; Kelly, J. A., con- 
tractor and builder; Lawson, H., saloon; Malone, John A., boot-maker and 
Manager S. V. Tannery; Matthewson, S. R., vegetables, etc., Merritt, Chas. & 
Co., drugs and medicines; Miller, Louis, painter and grainer; McGrah, Dan'l, 
saloon; Nelson, C, saloon; Nielson, S., contractor and builder; Nesbitt, 
Jos., wharfinger C. S. N. Co.; Ostrander, J. D., soliciting agent; Perry, J. 
M., merchandise; Pond & Knox, meat market; Peterson, A. H., livery stable; 
Parker, Miss A. E., millinery, etc.; Pietrzycki, M., physician and surgeon; 
Palmer, L. L., publisher Gleaner; Roberts, G. W., saloon; Runk, Mrs. L. C, 
Central Hotel; Stanton, J. C, dentist; Squires, W. K., Squire's Hotel; 
Stumm, F. I., jeweler; Smith, Jas., .saloon; Smith, J. E. T., truckman; 
Stoll, C. M., harness and saddlery; Sorenson, S. P., furniture; Thompson, 
Geo., saloon; Whitmore & Bushnell, publishers Enterprise; Westgate Bros., 
mei'chandise ; Williamson, Wm., flour mill; Weslar, Geo., barber; Whit- 
man, D. G., plasterer; Wadsworth, Wm., fruits and vegetables; Wilcox 
Ruble & Dozier, merchandise. 

Official Directory: — Notary Public, M. Smyth; Justices of the Peace, 
J. D. Ingersoll, Lewis Chase; Constable, James Dobbins; Deputy Sheriff, 
John B. Fiscus; Postmaster, L. C. Ruble; W., F. & Co's agents, Westgate 
Bros. 

The Future: — So much for the past and present of the beautiful and 
thriving town; a word for the future and we will close this sketch. The 
town is so located that it is sure to be prosperous in the years to come. 
There are natural advantages which but few towns possess. Cheap trans- 
portation is insured, and that is one great factor in the prosperity of a town. 
The unbounded resources of the tule lands will always pour a goodly stream 
of gold into its coffers. The hills will always yield a handsome income for 
the town. They need more industries. There is no reason why this should 
not become a great manufacturing center. They have every facility possi- 
ble. The climate is the most salubrious and healthful. The temperature is 
universally moderate and mild. Strong winds prevail there during the 
summer months, which serve to keep the atmosphere cool and refreshing. 



280 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



SILVEYVILLE 



Geography.—SiiveyyiWe township is bounded on the north by Yolo 
county, on the east by Tremont township, on the south by Maine Prairie 
and Elmira townships, and on the west by Vacaville township. The Rio 
Los Putos extends along its northern boundary. 

Topography. — The surface of the entire township is almost perfectly level. 
The land is rolling in places, but not hilly. One is reminded very much, in 
passing through it, of the prairies of Illinois and Iowa. 

Soil. — The soil of this township is alluvial in formation and character. 
It is a sandy loam, for the most part, with scarcely any adobe in it. It is 
very fertile and productive, and the finest farms in Solano county are 
located here. Evei'j-thing about these farms betoken thrift and prosperity. 

Climate. — The climate in this township differs very materially from that 
in the townships in the southern parts of the county. Here the sea 
baeeze is shorn of its dampness and force, and sweeps as gently over the 
country as a zephyr. Ordinarily the temperature is several degrees higher 
here than at Suisim. A person will often find a linen coat liurdensome in 
Dixon at 4 p. m., and after a 40 minutes ride on the train arrives at Suisun, 
and finds that he needs an overcoat. The wind prevails from the north 
more here than further south, and this wind is burdened with sultry oppres- 
sive heat, and also oftentimes with electricitj', which seems to oppress and 
enervate evei-j'thing. Fortunately these siroccos are not very common. 
The atmosphere is comparatively free from malarial poisons, and is, on that 
account, quite healthful. 

Prodiwfs. — The principal products of this township are wheat and barley. 
Fruits and vegetables do quite well in all parts of the township, though but 
little more is gro\vn than home consumption demands, except along the line 
of Rio LoS Putos, where are some of the finest orchards and gardens in the 
State. In this section oranges, figs, dates, olives, lemons and bananas thrive 
equal to anj' section of the State, and the quality is said to excel that grown 
in Los Angeles county. 

Early Settlement. — To this townsliip belongs the honor of having the tii'st 
permanent white settler in Solano county. In 1842 Wni. Wolfskill, then a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 281 

resident of Los Angeles, secured a grant from the Mexican government for 
a tract of land one league in width and four leagues in length, lying on either 
side of Rio Los Putos. Some time during the same year he sent his brother, 
John R., with a band of cattle to take possession of the new grant, accord- 
ing to law. From this time on, an occasional settler would locate somewhere 
on the Rio Los Putos, until in 1852 there was quite a neighborhood, with 
houses, ranging from three to ten miles apart. Upon the outbreak of the 
gold fever the most practicable road to the mines from San Francisco passed 
from Benicia to Sacramento, through this settlement. For the accommoda- 
tion of these travelers, Elijah S. Silvey, in 1852, built a house and stock 
corral. He at first called his hou.se the " Half-way House". In those early 
days the trail was not very well defined, and the belated traveler was liable 
to lose his way and wander about the plains all night. To obviate this, 
Silvey used to hoist a red lantern high in air every night, so that it might 
serve as a beacon light to the wanderer, and guide him safely into the haven 
of Silvey's hotel. The hardy pioneer, Silvey, came to an untimely death by 
accidentally falling from a porch. His widow still lives on the old site of 
those early scenes of the early life of California and of Solano county. The 
next building at this point was a blacksmith .shop, built by Messrs. Wm. 
Dryden & Noble. On Christmas day, 1850, Geo. A. Gillespie began the 
foundation of a store building. From this time on Silvjyville began to 
assume quite goodly proportions, and reached its zenith about 1865, at 
which time there were, perhaps, 150 inhabitants in the town. Quite early 
a post-ofRce was established at this place with E. S. Silvey as post-master. 
It was called Putah. There was, at one time, a telegi-aph office there also. 
But all this is now among the dead past, and another quarter of a century 
will banish all traces of the town, and only in legend and on these pages 
will any knowledge of it exist. 

The history of Silveyville would remain incomplete without honorable 
mention being made of a newspaper being published at that place, by Wm. 
J. Pearce. The type was set and the forms made up in Silveyville, but 
they were sent to Sacramento to be printed from. The paper was strongly 
Democratic, and soon after the editor got into a political altercation with 
one Dr. J.- C Ogburn, a strong LTnion man, in which Pearce shot the doctor, 
and was forced to flee the country. 

Dixon. — The place to which all the business and houses of Silveyville 
went was Dixon. In 1868 the C. P. R. R. was completed. Seeing a 
probability of its completion, and realizing the fact that it was a good point 
at which to build a town, W. R. Ferguson pui'chased an acre of land from 
Thomas Dickson, and built a dwelling-house upon it. This was the first 
house built in the town. He immediately afterwards erected a stone 
building. On the 7th day of July, 1868, he opened his store for public 



282 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

patronage. The next building was erected by Bernard Greinburg. He 
used it for hotel purposes. It was called the " Empire." Messrs. Eppinger 
& Co. were the next to engage in a mercantile enterprise in the town. The 
second family which located in town was that of Jasper Kattenberg. The 
town was named in honor of Mr. Thomas Dickson, who donated ten acres 
for the purposes of a depot and town site. The difference in orthography 
is accounted for in the fact that the first consignment of goods which came 
to the town were marked " W. R. Ferguson, Dixon." The spelling being 
simpler it was at once adopted by all. The present population is about 
1,200. It was incorporated by a special Act of the Legislature during the 
session of 1877-8. It is a beautiful town nestled amid a grove of shady 
trees, which gives it a cosy and cheerful appearance. It is growing, and 
evidences of prosperity are visible on all sides. 

Free and Accepted Masoyis. — Silveyville Lodge, No. 201, F. & A. M., was 
organized June 2.5, 1869, at Silveyville. It was moved to Dixon September 
12, 1871. The following named gentlemen were its charter members : 
James W. Howard, Wm. H. Wells, H. E. McCune, John P. Kirsch, Walter 
Ellis, Wm. Killibrew, B. Meyer, Henry Goeffort, J. S. Garnett, Chas. Wolf, 
C. M. Robinson, Daniel King. The following gentlemen have been honored 
with the office of W. M. , J. W. Howard, W. H. Wells, Jas. A. Ellis, A. 
Hockheimer, John Sweeney. The present membership is 65. 

Royal Arch Chapter. — Dixon Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., was organized 
February 9, 1875. The charter members were as follows : J. A. Ellis, A. 
Hockheimer, A. G. Summers, B. Ethiger, H. Eppinger. J. C. Merryfield, H. 
Wilcox. H. Goeffi^rt, H. E. McCune, John Sweeney, Geo. C. McKinley, M. 
Blum, Wm. Steele, D. Longmire, A. Eraser, J. C. North, J. P. Kirsch, E. M. 
Tyler, J. W. Sallee. The following gentlemen have been elevated to the 
dignity of High Priest : Jas. A. Ellis, John Sweeney, H. Eppinger, George 
C McKinley. The present membership is 51. 

Rebecca Degree Lodge. — Hyacinthe Rebecca Degree Lodge, No. 26, was 
organized May 26, 1875. The present officers are Jas. K. Vansant, N. G. ; 
Mrs. Sarali McPherson, V. G. ; Edward Weihe, R. C. ; and Mrs. Nancy Van- 
sant, Treasurer. The present membership is 70. 

/. 0. 0. F. — Montezuma Lodge, No. 172, I. O. 0. F., was organized June 
20, 1870. The following named gentlemen comprise its charter members : 
R. S. McKinley, D. Mack, J. D. Carey, Wm. M. Bernard, Geo. W. Smith, 
Thomas Kelley, James M. Clark, John Patterson, T. A. Buckles and R. E. 
Hewitt. The following named gentlemen have had the honor of presiding 
as N. G.'s : Wm. Bernard, T. A. Buckles, R. E. Hewitt, J. Kline, A. Kirby, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 283 

R. R. Neirell, J. Fredrickson, V. A. Collins, P. Siebe, I. Rhodes, J. K. Van- 
sant, W. H. Northcutt, Charles Schirmer, R. C. Christian, A. J. Kasten, 
Edward Weihe. The present membership is 100. 

Knifjhts of Pyfkias. — Othello Lodge, No. 31, K. of P., was organized June 
29, 1875. The following named gentlemen were charter members : E. L. 
H. Bibby, J. B. Bloom, S. Blurn, J. R. Crcighton, John Ferguson, John 
Fredrickson, H. GoefFort, R. D. Hopkins, D. B. Huff, Wm. Johnson, Wm. 
Johnson, C. W. Johnson, J. 0. Johnson, J. D. Johnson, A. Levy, S. G. 
Little, J. P. Martin, C. J. McCoy, E. Wenfelder, H. A. Ross, E. W. Striplin, 
Dr. A. H. Pratt, Cha.s. Schirmer, F. A. Schnitzlein, P. Siebe, Wm. Simms, 
Wm. Straub, J. Sweeney and H. We.st. The following gentlemen have 
been honored with the office of Chancellor : R. D. Hopkins, John R. 
Creighton, H. A. Ross, Dr. A. H. Pratt, J F. Hamilton, S. G. Little and P. 
Olmstead. The present membership is about 40. 

Indepench'nt Order of Good Templars: — Dixon Lodge, I. 0. G. T., wa.s 
organized February 5th, 1870. Following are the charter members: Mrs. 
Julia A. Ferguson, J. R. Beane, E. H. Beane, J. C. Graves, Thomas Pritch- 
ard, C. M. Daffield, J. Sullivan, Mrs. A. F. Beane, Mrs. M. Bernard, G. S. 
Dudley, Mrs. E. Dudley, H. McGale, Thomas Doody, L. A. Moore and J. F. 
Cook. The following members have held the office of Worthy Chief Tem- 
plar: J. R. Beane, Mrs. F. A. Beane, J. M. Dudley, Joseph Kline, H. Ever- 
ingham, J. H. Peters, W. B. Wyman, Rev. George Morris, W. H. Northcutt, 
A. R. Storey, M. T. Sickal, J. K. Bateman, W. T. Mayne, Wm. Olmstead, 
Miss Ella Hoovey, George Martin, and Stewart McBride. 

A^icient Order of United Workmen: — Dixon Lodge, No. 50, A. O. U. W., 
was organized September 11th, 1878. The present oificers are : A.J. Kasten, 
M. W., A. J. Buckles, P. M. W., Charles Donahoe, G. F., Charles Schrivner, 
0. B. Ethiger, Receiver, J. M. Dinsmore, Financier, A. R. Storey, Recorder. 
The present membership is 27. 

Bank of Dixon: — The Bank of Dixon was organized and incorporated in 
October, 1873, but was not opened for business until April, 1874. The 
authorized capital stock is $500,000. The original board of directors was 
as follows: J. S. Garnett, S. G. Little, James Millar, Ed. Wolfskill, Hanse 
Rohwer, James Porter and D. B. Huff. The presidents of the bank have 
been, S. G. Little, James Millar, J. C. Merryfield. The cashiers have been, 
Ed. Wolfskill, H. B. Sheldon, G. W. Wyman, A. J. Kasten and Robert 
Harkinson. 

The Dixon Fire Company: — This company was organized October loth, 
1872. Their present aparatus consists of one Babcock engine, hooks, lad- 



284 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

ders, and other appliances necessary to make them a very efficient depart- 
ment. The following gentlemen have acted as foreman: J. Fredrickson, W. 
A. Dashiel, E. Weihe, H. Eppinger, W. S. Hinman, George King, Owen 
O'Xiel, George Frahm. 

Catholic Church: — This church building was erected in 1868, by Rev. 
Father Auger. It is located on Second street, between A and Mayes 
streets. It is a frame building, 48x32, with a seating capacity of 140. 
From floor to ceiling is 16 feet. The ceiling is hard-finished, walls wains- 
coted, and finished with redwood tongued grooved and painted. The 
pastors who have served this church are, Rev. Fathers Auger, McNaboe, 
Powei-s, Moore, Ward and Nugent. 

Th£ Melhodist Ephcoixd Church, South: — Was organized in Solano 
County, in the town of Suisun and vicinity, in the year 1852 or 1853. 
Afterward a society was formed near the present site of Vaca\'ille. This 
was called the Vacaville circuit. 

A neat and substantial stone church was built at Rockville in 1858. 

In 1861 the M. E. C. South built a college known as Pacific Methodist 
College, at Vacaville. Its first president was Rev. J. C. Stewart. After 
the first year Rev. W. T. Luckey, D. D., was elected president, which position 
he held for eight years. 

Rev. J. R. Thomas, D. D., LL. D., was the next president. In 1871 this 
college was removed to Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, where it is now 
located. 

Three years ago a beautiful church building was erected at Elmira. The 
church at Vacaville was destroyed bj' fire in 1877, where it was rebuilt a 
few months thereafter. 

In the Fall of 1878 a church was purchased in Dixon, and a minister was 
sent bj' the conference to fill the pulpit. There are at present three min- 
isters actively engaged in the work, residing in the county. Rev. J. C. 
Simmons presides at the present time. 

M. E. Church — Dixon and Binghamton. — In the month of March, 1858, 
a few persons li\dng in and around old Silveyville desiring to worship God 
according to Methodistic belief and forms, organized themselves under the 
direction of Rev. J. W. Leach into a methodist class, which numbered 
twelve persons, viz.: J. W. Leach, preacher in charge ; John A. Leach, Marian 
Leach, Ellen Proxil, Emily West, Charles West, Charles K. Seeley, Solena 
Seeley, John J. Reed, Joseph Reed, E. B. Reed and Wm. Reed. At the close 
of the year, these twelve had increased to upwards of thirty soids. They 
held their meetings in a school house about one mile and a quarter north of 
Silveyville. This was the rise of methodism in this place and its increase 



r 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 285 

for the first year. From 1859 to 1863, the society was without any regu- 
larly appointed minister, and it was with difiiculty it maintained its exist- 
ence ; only two persons, namely, Charles and Emily West are left from the 
original twelve ; during this period of struggling without a pastor. They 
worshipped in a hall over a saloon in Silveyville and were strengthened from 
time to time by the labors of Rev. Father White and Rev. Henry Howlit. 
In 1863, J. W. Murphy was appointed to the work. He found the small 
band badly scattered, but, by indifatigable eflibrt, made quite an increase in 
the society. He was a man of robust constitution, fiery disposition, radical 
in views, plain spoken — a man for the times. He was succeeded in 1865 by 
Rev. A. P. Hendon, who was regularly appointed to the work. 
A. P. Hendon reorganized, gathered in others of like faith and entered 
upon the field with renewed vigor. The result was success ; methodism 
became a settled fact in this place during his pastorate. In 1866, under his 
management, a fine cliurch edifice was erected in Silveyville, at a cost of four 
thousand three hundred dollars. A. P. Hendon was a young man of rare 
qualities, tall, slim and gaunt, rather eccentric, positive and thoroughly de- 
voted to his work. He was followed by Dr. Morrow, who, by his personal 
character and pastoral qualifications, endeared himself to the hearts of all. 
The work under him flourished and, at the close of his two years' labor, 
thei-e were ninety-eight persons connected with the church. The following 
year the circuit was divided, W. S. Corwin was .stationed at Silveyville and 
S. L. Hamilton appointed to Binghamton ; little is known of the growth or 
struggles of the society this year, save that there was some increase in the 
work. Geo. Larkin succeeded W. S. Corwin in 1869. Bro. Larkin, owing 
to difficulties that arose in the church, did not finish the year. S. L. Ham- 
ilton, of Binghamton, filled the pulpit of Silveyville the last part of the year. 
In 1870, Bro. G. R. Belknap was appointed to Silveyville and I. B. Fish to 
Binghamton. The M. E. Church was moved by Bro. Belknap from Silvey- 
ville to Dixon, a flourishing town on the Central Pacific Railroad, three 
miles southeast of Silveyville, where it now stands. In 1871, the two parts 
of tlie work that had been divided were again united, and J. M. Hinmin 
was appointed to take charge. He labored for one year and left only fort}'- 
six on the entire work in full fellowship. He was succeeded by J. H. 
Peters in 1872. There was an increase during this year of twenty-nine. J. 
H. Peters remained on the work for three years, doing faithful sei'vice and 
building up the society in all its departments, at the close of his pastorate 
he reports seventy-seven members in full connection. Arnold was appointed 
his successor in September, 1875. Bro. Ai-nold, on account of ill health, 
retired before the close of the year and S. Snidery sent to complete the 
yeai-. W. T. Mayne was placed over the circuit in 1876, and built an addi- 
tion to the parsonage with $1,000. The work proving too hard for him, at 
the clo.se of the year the circuit was again divided and T. H. Woodward 



286 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

was appointed to Binghamton in connection with Rio Vista ; during this 
year the M. E. Church South was organized out of the M. E. Church, 
Dixon, which drew hea\'ily upon the original society. The following year 
the two fractions of the work were again united and T. H. Woodward was 
appointed to take charge of the entire tield. The work looked discourag- 
ing, but a sweeping revival broke out during this year, Rev. J. W. Ross was 
present holding meetings day and night for three weeks ; again the society 
sprang to its feet and persons were added daily to the church. The society 
at the pi'esent numbers about 100, and owns about seven thousand dollars 
worth of property in Dixon. Sabbath school was organized in 1863 and 
now numbers about seventy. Alex. McPherson is the present Superintend- 
ent ; Trustees : Judge Menyfield, J. M. Dudley, N. Earns, E. L. Mann, J. M. 
Bell, D. S. Stuart and W. R. Ferguerson. 

Dixson Baptist Church. — This church was organized at Pleasant Retreat 
.school house, Vaca Valley, Solano county, October 19,18.56. Its constituent 
members were : Rev. Daniel King, Rev. Joseph Roberts, William G. Fore, 
Thomas C. Maupin, H. E. McCune, Lewis Huchinson, Sidney C. Walker, 
Mrs. E. Roberts, Mrs. Susan King, Mrs. H. M. Fore, Mrs. A. R. Maupin, Mrs. 
M. J. Walker, Mrs. Sarah J. Williams, Mrs. Barbara B. McCune. Rev. J. 
Roberts preached a sermon from I Peter, 2, 4, 5. " To ivhom coining, as 
unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, hut chosen of God and prec- 
ious. Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priest- 
hood, to offer up spintual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 
The text seemed a truly prophetic one, and, together with the earnest ser- 
mon, was attended by the Divine blessing to the little band of humble be- 
lievers, which, like a river of life, clear as crystal, has never ceased to flow, 
The church had the ministerial labors of Revs. Roberts and King, until June. 
1857, when the latter was chosen pastor, in which relation he was held with 
much love and esteem until the time of his death, which occurred at Dixon, 
October 3, 1877. This venerable servant of God was thus the leader of this 
church for more than twenty years, and was an example to them in faith, 
in perseverence, in well-doing, in sacrificing for Christ and his cause. In 
the organization Lewis Huchinson was chosen Secretary and Sidney Walker 
Deacon. 

The school house was used as a meeting house until January, 1860, when 
the Hall of the Academy in Vacaville, the property of Rev. Mr. Anderson, 
was obtained as a meeting place for one Saturday and Sunday in each month, 
for the sum of fifty dollars per year. The church held its meetings thei'e 
until March 1861, then moved to the Dry Slough school house, which then 
stood near the present Batavia. In this place, regular monthly meetings were 
held. At the meeting of the church, held April, 1861, a report of a com- 
mittee, consisting of H. E. McCune and T. S. Bayley, of the Baptist Church 
and Rev. Mr. Fairbaim and Mr. G. B. Stevenson, Esq., of the Presbyterian 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 287 

Church, O. S., together with one outside party, whose name we do not find, 
submitted a report, consisting of a written agreement to build a meeting 
house at Silveyville, to be owned and used jointly by the two denominations. 
This report was adopted by both churches, and work of building went on. 
This house was dedicated on the third Sunday in November, 1861, Rev. Dr. 
Peck, af the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. D. King, of the Baptist Church 
officiating. These denominations held this property in partnership, with 
great harmony, until May, 1868, when the Baptists bought the half interest 
of the Presbyterians, and became sole proprietors of the property. This was 
the home of the Baptist Church, where their labors were greatly blessed, 
until October, 1876, when the church dedicated its brick building at the 
town of Dixon, where it still holds its meetings. 

The Rev. Daniel King, being much of the time of his long pastorate of 
this church enfeebled by sickness, and more latterly by age, the church, by 
his request, employed the following ministers as assistants to the pastor: In 
January, 1860, Rev. Orin Critenden was employed, who served with great 
zeal and efficiency until Api'il, 1863. Then the Rev. J. E. Barnes was em- 
ployed for one-half of his time, until May, 1868, and then they employed 
all his time, until January 8th, 1871. From then until June 1st, 1872, Rev. 
D. King labored alone as pulpit supply, and then Rev. John T. Prior, of 
Georgia, was called as an assistant to the pastor, and continued for one year. 
In November, 1872, Rev. J. Ii. Blitch began to preach to the church as an 
assistant to the pastor, and continued as such until the death of Rev. D. 
King, which, as above stated, was October 3d, 1877. Then he was chosen 
pastor of the churcli, and continued to serve as such until July, 1878. The 
church then, through their committee on pulpit supply, engaged the services 
of Rev. 0. C. Wheeler, Rev. C. A. Bateman, Rev. C C. Bateman, Rev. C. A. 
Buckbee, Rev. John Frances, Rev. C. W. Hughes and Rev. James E. Barnes. 
The last named began to supply the pulpit on Sejjtember 7th, 1878, and has 
continued to do so, and is still doing so at the present writing. 

Including the constituent members, this church has liad connected with 
it 249 members, and now has a membership of 106. They have a church 
property worth about $12,000. 

Newspapers — Dixon Tribune: — The "Tribune" made its appearance at 
Dixon on the 14th day of November, 1874. R. D. Hopkins editor, and R. 
D. Hopkins & Co. publishers. About one year after it was started Hopkins 
became sole proprietor, and continued its publication until April 1, 1877, 
when it went under the present management of Alfred B. Nye. The 
"Tribune" was started as a neutral paper in politics. In 1875 it was Demo- 
cratic. Under the management of Mr. Nye the paper is independent and 
non-partisan. Size, 24x36 inches. It is a weekly, and has a circulation of 
about 600 copies. 



288 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



SUISUN 



Suisun Township is bounded on the north by those of Elmira, Vaeaville 
and Napa county ; on the west by the townships of Green Valley and 
Benicia ; on the south by Suisun bay, and on the east by Montezuma, Den- 
verton, and Maine Prairie townships. It is the largest in the county, and 
was originally one of the two first divisions into which Solano was parti- 
tioned. Included in it are the following islands, which form a portion of 
the delta of the Sacramento river, which debouches into the bay above 
named : Joice, Grisley, Hammond, Wheelei", Gray, Rich, Long Point, Rowe, 
Chips, and two smaller ones not named. The present limits of the town- 
ship were settled on June 27, 1866, and took its name from the Suisun 
Indians, who were the lords of the soil when the settlement of the district 
was commenced. Suisun has an area of 110,000 acres, 10,000 of which are 
water, its general characteristics being a large level plain of some six miles 
square in extent, which opens out on the east into the vast valley of the 
Sacramento. The Potrero hills occupy about tAvelve sections of this ex- 
panse, and are surrounded on either side by swamp and ovei-flowed lands, 
except a narrow neck of low valley on the north side. The higher ridges 
are two hundred feet in height, and recede in elevation as they approach the 
border of level land adjoining the tule swamps. It is also well watered, 
the principal stream \Wthin its limits being the Suisun creek, which has its 
rise in the adjoining county of Napa, thence flowing in a south-easteily 
direction, empties into the Salt marsh, nearly a mile and a half east of 
Bridgeport. Its springs, marble and other quarries are also famous; it 
^vill, however, be unnecessary here to dwell upon them, as an exhaustive 
description thereof will be found on page 91 and the following of this 
work. 

Early Settlement.— As has been previously remarked, the Suisun Indians 
were the original oceupiei-s of this fertile domain, while Rockville, a small 
toAvn at the foot of the valley would appear to have been their head- 
quarters ; at any ra„e, in 1850, they moved their lares et pemifes from there 
to Napa county. It has been shown in our chapter on Mexican grants that 
in January, 1837, Francisco Solano, the chief of this tribe, applied for a 
grant of the land which he claimed belonged to him by riglit of primo- 
geniture, which was finally made to him in January, 1842. The applica- 
tion of Solano was, in 1839, followed by one from Jose Francisco Armijo, a 
Mexican by birth, requesting that the lands known as Tolenas should be 




r'-'^ 




THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 289 

ceded to him, which was done in March, 1840. It was subsequently decreed 
by the Supreme Court of California that owing to the non-approval of the 
Departmental Assembly of the cessions, the grants were informal: there- 
fore, in 1849, the title to the land held by Solano was acquired by General 
Vallejo by purchase, while that of Armijo, upon the death of the elder, by 
his son Antonio, in the same manner. In 1846, we hear of one Jesus 
Molino, an Indian, having certain ground under cultivation at or near 
Rockville, while in the spring of 1847 Daniel M. Berry with his family 
settled in the valley and pitched his tent on land now farmed by Joseph 
Blake. He was in the spring of 1849 followed by Landy Alford, who located 
on the site of the farm of Lewis Pierce, and Nathan Barbour, who had crossed 
the plains with him, but had gone to Sonoma and thence to Benicia, but so 
few were the people that in 1847, when Captain Von Pfister made his jour- 
ney to Sacramento, then Sutter's Fort, there were only three houses within 
what was then Suisun township, namely, the adobes of Molino at Rockville, 
Berry's residence and the Armijo rancho. In December, 1850, there also came 
to the valley J. H. Bauman, a German, who camped on arrival at or near the 
farm now owned by Mr. Bucher, aftei-wards moving to various places as a 
sheep herder until 1853, when he settled in the Montezuma hills. He is now a 
resident of this valley. In this year Robert Waterman, an old sea-captain, 
of thirty years' standing, also arrived from New York City. He now oc- 
cupies a beautiful farm a few miles to the northwest of Fairfield. In 1851, 
E. F. Gillespie (deceased), a native of Watertown, N. Y., came to the upper 
end of the valley. There also permanently located in this year on what was 
called the Island, now the site of Suisun City, Captain Josiah Wing, who 
had during the previous summer commenced running boats up the creek to 
the embarcadei'o. In October, 1851. there also arrived James G. Edwards 
who settled on the farm of John McMullen. Colonel D. D. Reeves came to 
the township on November 14, 1852, and built a blacksmith shop on the 
farm occupied by Mr. Ledgewood, where he worked at his trade until 1857, 
when he moved into Suisun city, and in conjunction with his brother Co 
P. Reeves, erected some of the largest and most substantial brick buildings 
in the town. In this year there arrived also J. B. Lemon, the present 
County Treasurer, and Allen C. Miller, and last, though by no means least 
among the early settlers who had helped to subdue this valley to fertile 
grain fields, establish manufactories and well conducted business enterprises, 
are the names of John M. Jones, Under Sheriff, who settled in 1853, Asa 
Crocker, in 1854, John W. Pearce,in 1856, D. E. and D. M. Stockman, the 
former in 1856 and the latter arriving in 1858, when there also located 
J. Frank and Moses Dinkelspiel. In 1857 there came William J. Costigan. 
In 1860 R. D. Robbins arrived ; P. J. Christler in 1862, while among the 
first settlers were J. B. Hoyt and E. P. Hilborn ; we have been, however, 
unable to glean the precise date of their arrival. 
19 



290 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

SuisUN City. — This city stands on an island in the midst of the tule lands 
which form a marshy desert Ij'ing between the Potrero hills and Benicia. 
As far back as the year 1850, Curtis Wilson and Dr. John Baker sailed up 
the Suisun creek in an open boat, and landed on the present site of the 
city. To them is due the honor of its discovery. They did not, however, 
remain long enough to give them the rights of residents of the place, but it 
is supposed left in search of places bearing a more captivating impress. 
Mention has been made of Captain Josiah Wing having been engaged in 
the running of schooners, or other craft, to this island in the summer of 
1850 and of his settlement on it in 1851. In this year he built the first 
building erected on the present site of the city, it being a warehouse, on the 
place now occupied by the livery-stables of George W. Hall, on the east 
side of the Plaza, situated opposite the Post-office. In the summer of this 
year the first store was opened by John W. Owens and A. W. Hall, while 
in the following years others came and commenced building up the city of 
Suisun. In the year 18G8 a petition signed by the residents of the now 
flourishing country town was handed to the Board of Supervisors of the 
county, requesting that steps might be taken whereby Suisun should re- 
ceive the rights and privileges of a city, which prayer was granted on 
October 9th of that year, when she developed into an incorporated city. 

Suisun, as it is to-day, is a flourishing little town of about 1,800 inhab- 
itants. Its streets are, as a rule, well filled with people, while its stores^ 
of which there are some very handsome ones, appear to have a fair share of 
business. It is connected with Fairfield, the county seat, by a plank walk 
of nearly a mile in length, there being situated half way between the rival 
towns the California Pacific Railroad depot, under the charge of J. C. 
Maxwell. 

Fairfield. — This little town is the county seat of Solano, it having at- 
tained to that proud distinction by a vote of the people canvassed on Septem- 
ber 2, 1858, when it was declared to be the choice of the voters by a major- 
ity of 404 over Benicia. This selection of Fairfield was made, in the first 
place, on account of its central position, and secondly on account of the gift 
to the county by Captain R. H. Waterman of certain lands, should the 
county seat be legally located there. The town site was surveyed by Capt. 
Waterman and A. E. Ritchie, and the plat filed for record on May 16, 1859, 
and the new County Capital named in honor of the birthplace of the 
Captain in Connecticut. The first residence erected on it was that of J. B. 
Lemon, the premises being those now occupied by him. Fairfield is a pretty 
little town of considerable promise, and possessing, as it does, the county 
buildings, there is considerable bustle to be observed during the sessions 
of the difl'erent Courts. Its houses, for the most part, are enclosed by neat 
fences and well kept gardens, vineyards and orchards, while the streets are 
wide, though not much worn by traffic. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 291 

CouH Hoibse and Jail. — On September 13, 1858, the Board of Supervisors 
met and canvassed the votes of the general election for that year, and, 
among other things, it was declared that Fairfield had been selected as 
the county seat, and also a new Board of Supervisors were elected, viz : J. 
G. Gardner, D. B. Holman, and E. F. Gillespie. The new Board met and 
organized on the 2nd day of November following. 

The county records having been moved from Benicia, and a temporary 
Court House built and certain buildings rented from Waterman and Wil- 
liamson, for the temporary use of the county officers, on November 18, 
1858, the following order was entered in the minutes of the Board : " Or- 
dered by the Board of Supervisors that specifications of a plan for the 
Court House and jail, for Solano county, be advertised for in the Solano 
Count y Herald for the term of two weeks, and that the amount of fifty 
dollars be allowed to the architect whose plans shall be received and 
approved by the Board. Said specifications to be handed in on or before 
the 5th day of December, A. D. 1858. Said jail to be 35 feet square ; the 
Court House to be 40x50 feet, to contain rooms for the county oflScers and 
jury rooms." 

On January 21, 1859, the Board of Supervisors passed an order requesting 
" our Senator and Assemblyman " to pass an act authorizing the Board of 
Supervisors to levy a special tax, for the term of two years, of fifty cents 
upon each one hundred dollars, upon the assessed value of property of said 
county, for county purposes ; for the purpose of building Court House and 
jail for said county. On the following day the plans and specifications, 
submitted by James H. White for a Court House and jail for Solano county, 
were accepted and approved. 

On February 9, 1859, the vote adopting the plans and specifications 
submitted by James H. White was i-econsidered, and the plans and specifi- 
cations submitted by George Boi-dwell were accepted and adopted February 
10, 1859. Ordered that sealed propo.sals be received for building the Court 
House and jail, according to the plans and specifications of George Bordwell, 
adopted by the Board, up to the 14th day of March, 1859, and that the 
same be advertised by the Clerk in the Solano County Herald for thirty 
days ; and it is f ui-ther ordered that George Bordwell be appointed architect 
to superintend the erection of said buildings. March 14, 1859, they met to 
open the proposals received, and award the contract for building the pro- 
posed Court House and jail. Bid.s were received as follows : From William 
B. Carr, $28,400; A. Barrows, .138,500 ; George W. Cord, $28,200; E. M. 
Benjamin and N. Smith, $27,200 ; C. Murjihy, T. Collins, and J. J. Doyle, 
$31,200 ; Samuel T. Carlisle, $37,745; J. J. Denny, $31,000 ; John B. Sanford, 
$27,350 ; William McCarty, $29,500 ; Charles B. Tool, $34,300 ; Larkin 
Richardson, $24,440. The bid of Larkin Richardson being the lowest, the 
contract was duly awarded to him, upon his filing a bond in the sum of 



292 THE HISTORY OF POLAND COrNTT. 

$4S,880, being twice the amount of his bid, the conditions being that the 
buUdings were to be completed according to the plans and specifications — 
the jail by September 1, 1859, and the Court House by September 1. 1860. 
Subsequently an order was made that the Court House should be buUt on 
Union Square so as to front on Union street, and to run 40 feet back to the 
centre of the square east and west, and that the jail be located on a line 
with the Court House, eastward, half way of the block ; and it was further 
ordered that the County Surveyor run the necessary lines. 

And it was also ordered that the architect superintending should be 
allowed seven per cent upon the contract price (S24.440) for his services. 
The percentage was afterwads changed to eight per cent. 

It appears that an Act was passed by the Legislature in accordance with 
the request of the Board of Supervisors, for on April 11. 1859. the Board 
ordered that a tax of fifty cents, upon each hundred dollars of the taxable 
property of the coimty, be levied and assessed for the building of the Court 
House and jail, in pursuance of the pro\-isions of an Act of the Legislature. 

On September 1. 1859. the following appears on the minutes of the Board: 
" Whereas, the contract for building a county jail and Court House was 
awarded to Larkin Richardson, and the time for the delivery of the same, 
completed, has arrived ; be it, therefore, resolved, that the said Richardson 
be and he is hereby required to deliver to the county the said jail, finished 
according to his contract, and upon his failing to do so. to be held respon- 
sible for all damages ; and that he be furnished with a copy of this 
resolution." 

November 10. 1859, the following order is entered upon the minutes: 
" Ordered that the public building known as the jail in Fairfield be now 
received from the contractor. Larkin Richardson ; the Board reserving the 
right to claim damages, and Richardson reserving the right to subsequently 
present his bill for extra work." 

And it was, thereupon, oniered that the prisoners (which had heretofore 
been confined in the jail of Contra Costa county) be removed to the Fair- 
field jail. 

On March 12. 1S60, the contract was let to A. P. Jackson to fit up the 
court room and oflices in the new Court House for the sum of SI .994. 
Jackson's contract was subsequently cancelled, and on April 21. 1860. a new 
contract, for fitting up the rooms, was entered into with J. W. Batcheller. 
at the sum of 81,963. 

On April 21, 1860, the following order was entered : " Ordered by the 
Board of Supervisors of Solano county, that the public buildings of said 
county, known as the Court House and jail, in Fairfield, be and the same 
ai"e hereby received fi-om the conti"actor. Larkin Richardson. The said 
Richardson hereby gi^■ing up and releasing all claims and demands against 
the said Board of Super^-iso^s on occount of said buildings ; the said Board 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COl'XTY. 293 

having made the said Richardson an allowance in full amount due on the 
original contract, and for all extra work done on said buildings." 

On the completion of Batcheller's contract, shortly after, an order was 
made for the county officei-s and courts to remove from the temporary 
buildings used into the new Court House, which was at once complied \\'ith, 
and these buildings are in use at the present date. 

The old frame Court House, used temporarily, was, a few years after the 
completion of the new building, removed to the present Court House block 
and placed on the west side of the Court House, about the same distance 
from it as the jail is upon the east. 

The Hall of Becords. — At the session of the Legislature of 1877-8, an 
Act was passed authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Solano county to 
issue SI 5. 000 of bonds, bearing seven per cent, per annum interest, to create 
a fund to be called " The Court- House Improvement Fund," and also to levy 
an annual tax for their redemption, for the purpose of erecting a fire-proof 
addition to the Court House for the safe preservation of the records of the 
County Clerk's and County Recorder's offices. In 1878, these bonds were 
prepared and. after advertising for proposals to purchase them, were sold to 
Sutro Ac Co., Bankei-s of San Francisco, for §15,356. The board then pro- 
ceeded to build the desired edifice, plans and specifications were prepared 
by George BordweU (the former architect of the Court House) which 
were approved and accepted and proposals were immediately 
invited for the erection of said fire-proof building. A large num- 
ber of bids were received and, at the opening thereof by the board, the 
contract was awarded to Richard and John McCann, of Sau Francisco, for 
the erection of said building according to the plans and specifications, at 
the sum of SI 1,597. The building is located twenty feet from the Court 
House on the west side ; and is sixty feet long by thirty feet in width, and 
two stories in height, and is fire-proof in all particulars, connecting -n-ith the 
Court House by an iron bridge, crossing in the second story. The contract 
was let in July, 187S, and it was completed in November of that year ; the 
furnishing contract was let to John B. Lucksinger & Co., of San Francisco, 
for S2.000 ; and after all the extra work done by both contractors was paid 
for and certain other extra articles furnished — the whole outlay amounted 
to the sum of SI 5,400. 

This building has the Recorder's office on the first floor, with an excellent 
fire-proof vault for the records in the rear of the front office, and the 
County Clerk's office in front on the second floor, with the Supervisor's 
room in the rear — being one of the best arranged and satisfactory buildings 
of the kind to be found anywhere in the agricultural counties of the 
State. 



294 THE HISTORY OF SOI.AXO COUNTY. 

M. E. Church — Fairfield. — The first inethodist sermpii preached in Suisun 
Valley was at the house of D. M. Berry, in November, 18-t9, by Rev. Isaac 
Owens. Rev. S. D. Simonds was the first regularly appoint^dcircuit preacher 
and his jurisdiction embracing " all north of the bay." He was appointed 
February 1, 1851. Rev. M. C. Briggs had preached occasionally prior to 
this. The first class or society was organized by S. D. Simonds, in the 
Spring of 1851, the following were members: Jas. Borland and his vnie, 
Benjamin Davisson, Jasper S. Sheldon and Charlotte Berry The first 
Simday school was organized the last of March, 1851, at D. M. Ben-y's by 
S. D. Simonds, S. D. Simonds was succeeded in August, 1851, by Jas. 
Corwin ; he traversed the same territor\- until February, 1853. The head- 
quarters-of this extensive circuit Avas at Sonoma. In February, 1853, E. 
A. Hazen was appointed to Suisun and Napa circuit ; he remained until 
May, 1855 ; during this time a small church was built about three miles 
west of Suisun, which was known for year-s as the " Valley Church." In 
May, 1855, Jas. Corwin and Colin Anderson were appointed to the circuit 
as colleagues. In September, 1857, Jas. Hunter was appointed and the 
Suisun circuit established. He remained until September, 1859 ; during the 
year 1858, lots were secured in the then newly laid out town of Faii-field, 
and about the same time the present pai-sonage was erected. In September, 
1859, Rev. J. W. Hines was appointed; he remained two yeare, until Sep- 
tember, 1861 ; during the tii-st year of his pastomte the construction of the 
present brick church in Fairfield was commenced, but remained unfinished 
until the next j-ear ; it was then completed and dedicated in the Summer 
of 1861. Its total cost was about ^8,000. In September, 1861, Jas. Corwin 
was appointed pastor. In September, 1862, H. J. Bland was appointed. In 
September, 1863, W. S. Urmy. He remained until September, 1865 ; during 
this time the debt on the brick church was paid and it has since remained 
free of debt ; during this period the Valley Chiu-ch was sold and, after re- 
moval, was converted into the present school house in Gomer District. The 
subsequent pastors have been as follows: September, 1865, W. S. Corwin; 
September, 1866, John Daniel; September, 1867, W.S.Turner; August, 
1869, R. W. Williamson ; September, 1870, 0. S. Frambies ; August, 1871, 
A. R. Sheriff; September, 1872, J. M. Hinman; September, 1874, E. E. 
Dodge; September, 1875, G. D. Pinneo; September, 1877, M. D. Buck; 
September, 1878, R. E. Wenk, present incumbent. During these yeai-s the 
church has had tiuctuating prosperity. The present membei-ship is thirty. 
A Sunday school has been maintained throughout the whole history of the 
chui-ch ; the present number is sixty ; Superintendent, R. E. Wenk. 

Grace Church, Suwun — Episcopal : — What is now knoAvn as Grace 
Church was the first place of woi-ship erected in Suisun, being built A. D. 
1857, under the auspices of the " Old School Presbj-terians." Captain 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 195 

Richie of Fairfield offered a lot in that town ; but the people of Suisun offered 
to give the land and put up the building. Their proposition was accepted, 
and Mr. Joseph Mei-rill received the contract for building the Church. Mr. 
Reubin Pringle gave the lot. The Rev. Mr. Wood was the first minister in 
charge. He was succeeded b}' the Rev. Mr. Fairburn, who only remained a 
short time, as the zeal of the people had weakened, and he was not sup- 
ported. The church remained without a pastor for some time, and in the 
year 1861 it was sold to the Methodists. The first minister of this denomi- 
nation was the Rev. Mr. Baily. He was succeeded by the following named 
ministers : Rev. W. B. Gober ; Rev. 0. P. Fitzgerald ; Rev. Samuel Brown ; 
Rev. 0. Fisher ; Rev. A. P. Anderson ; Rev. T. E. Barton ; Rev. Samuel 
Brown ; Rev. T. H. B. Anderson ; Rev. Samuel Brown ; Rev. W. F. Comp- 
ton. The first Episcopal service was held April 28th, 1867, by the Rev. 
Henry G. Perry, at that time rector of St. Paul's Church, Benicia. These 
services were continued by the same clergynmn, at intervals, until August 
25th, of the same year, when he resigned the mission to the Bishop of Cali- 
fornia. The parish was organized July 28th, and the Bishop made his first 
visitation in company with the Rev. Mr. Perry, August 25, 1867, From 
this time until 1872 the following clergymen held service at this place : 
Rev. Messrs. Smith, Gray, Breck, Cowan, Powell, Brotherton and Kelly. In 
the winter of 1872 the church was purchased by the Episcopalians, and the 
Rev. Geo. R. Davis was called from Nebraska, and assumed the rectorship 
of the parish, March 10. Before the year closed he accepted a call to Ma- 
rysville, and the parish was again vacant. On the sixth Sunday after Trinity, 
1873, the Rev. T. E. Dickey took charge of the parish, and on the 28th of 
September, 1874, he resigned his rectorship, and accepted a call to Silver 
City, Idaho. The Rev. Giles Easton held services in this church from 
August, 1875, to May, 1878. The present rector, Rev. E. C. Cowan, as- 
sumed his duties on the 1st of August, 1878. 

St. Alphonsis, Catholic: — Was established about the year 1860, Father 
Dyeart ofticiating. He was followed by Fathers Ougar and McNaboe, the 
latter being still in chai-ge. The construction of the present church edifice 
was begun in 1868, and a debt of $6,000 incurred by its building, which has 
been entirely liquidated under the able management of Father McNaboe. 
This year (1879) they are building an addition. The membership of this 
church is about three hundred. 

The above history is taken from the county atlas, as no other could be 
obtained, notwithstanding repeated efforts to get it — indeed such has been 
the case with the churches of the Catholic persuasion throughout the 
coimty. 

The Congregational Church, Suisun: — Preliminary steps were taken at a 
meeting held at the residence of E. P. Hilborn, on October 30, 1876, J. W. 



296 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Warren, D. D., presiding, for the purpose of organizing a congregation to 
woi"ship under the Congregational form of religion, at Suisun, when a com- 
mittee was selected, who appointed to meet on the 5th of November follow- 
ing, to take into consideration the foiTnation of a permanent organization of 
' that body. Success would appear to have attended their efforts, for we 
find the 22d day of December of the same year set apart for the holding of 
appropriate inaugural services, the following churches being represented by 
their pastors: First Congregational Church of San Francisco; Plymouth 
Congregational Church of San Francisco; First Congregational Church, 
Oakland; Congregational Church, South Vallejo; Congregational Church, 
Dixon; Congregational Church, Sacramento; vnth J. H. Warren, D. D., 
Superintendent of American Home Missions. The sermon was preached by 
J. E. Dwindle. The first membership numbered seventeen, who were under 
the pastorate of the Rev. J. W. Brier, Jr. All the services of this church 
have been held in an edifice erected by the people of Suisun, on Morgan 
street. In July, 1S7S, Mr. Brier resigned, when he was succeeded by the 
Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, the present incumbent. Not the least interesting 
record in connection with this church is its admirable Sunday School, the 
classes of which give frequent exhibitions, each of them being attended with 
more than ordinary success. The first superintendent of the school was C 
W. Childs, the present holder of the position being A. C. Wood. The church 
membership is about twenty-seven, while the number of school children is 
sixty. 

Suisun Lodge, ^^o. 55, F. and A. M.: — This lodge was chartered by the 
Grand Lodge on May 4, 1855, the chartered members being J. H. Griggs, 
Miles Dean, W. B. Brown, C. Manka, S. Maupin, P. 0. Claji/on, Charles 
Maul, Sampson Smith, Jacob Cutter. Philip Palmer, D. D. Reeves, John W. 
Owen, M. A. Long, A. P. Jackson and G. W. Hays. The lodge was instituted 
in the Ai-mijo adobe, in Suisun Valley, and held a number of its meetings 
there during the year 1855. Shortly after, however, a move was made by 
the brethren to erect a lodge building, and the result was that in the Fall 
of 1855 a neat wooden structure, two stories in height, was erected at what 
was then known as Barton's Store, in Suisun Valley. The lower story of 
the building erected was used as a school-room, and the upper story was 
used by the craft. In 1856 the town of Suisun began to assume some im- 
portance, and the brethi-en, after considerable parlej-ing, decided to move 
the lodge to Suisim, and just at that time Bro. Hiram Rush began the erec- 
tion of a large brick store-room in Suisun, and the brethren bargained with 
him to add a third story to his building for a lodge-room for the Order. 
This he did, the lodge paying all the expenses of the third story, and on its 
completion Bro. Rush deeded it, the property, with a right of way of ingress 
and egress. For about twenty-thi-ee yeai-s the lodge has occupied its present 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 297 

hall, and which is to-day one of the most comfortable and suitable Masonic 
halls in Solano County. The lodge has prospered from the first, and at the 
present time numbers about seventy-five members. The present officers 
are: W. G. Davisson, W. M.; J. Frank, S. W.; William Leithead, J. W.; Co. 
P. Reeves, Treasurer; George A. Gillespie, Secretary; J. B. Richardson, S. 
D. ; John A. Lockie, J. D.; N. Anderson, Tyler. 

Suisun Lodge, No. 78, I. 0. O.F.: — Was organized September 13, 1858, 
by C. W. Hayden, D. D. G. Master District No. 15, with John Doughty, D. 
M. Stockman, J. M. Duncan, A. E. Charles and J. Frank as charter mem- 
bers. On the night of its institution W. H. Stephens and W. Farmer be- 
came members by deposit of card, and T. J. Owen, M. Meehan, M. Dinkel- 
spiel, Albert Knorp and M. A. Wheaton were admitted by initiation. The 
first officers of the lodge were as follows: N. G., John Doughty; V. G., D. 
M. Stockman; R. S., J. M. Duncan; Treas., J. Frank; R. S. N. G., M. Dinkel- 
spiel; L. S. N. G., Albert Knorp; R. S. V. G., T. J. Owen; L. S. V. G., W. 
H. Stephens; Warden, M. A. Wheaton; Cond., A. E. Charles; I. G., W. 
Farmer; 0. G., Maurice Meehan. 

The first meetings of the lodge were held in the second story of the brick 
building, over J. Frank & Co.'s store, and continued to be held at that place 
until about the year 1866, when the lodge made arrangements with the 
Masonic lodge and moved into their hall. In 1872 the lot and building 
where the present hall now stands was purchased, at a cost, including the 
improvements for hall purposes, of about $8,000. The new hall was dedi- 
cated April 26, 1873, P. G. Master Charles N. Fox presiding. This hall 
is a beautiful one, well ventilated, and with its present furniture, which 
was recently purchased at an expense of about $1,000, places it among the 
most pleasant halls of the Order in the State. 

From the time of its organization 228 persons have held membership 
therein, and its present roll, from last report, numbers 113. The following 
Past Grands have held the appointment of D. D. G. Master for this district : 
John Doughty, 1860-61; M. Dinkelspiel, 1864-65; Henry Hubbard, 1866- 
67; Valentine Wilson, 1868-69. The lodge at present is nearly out of debt, 
and its assets amount to about $13,000. 

The present officers of the lodge are as follows: C. N. Edwards, N. G.; 
John R. Morris, V. G.; Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, R. S.; H. Hubbard, P. S.; 
George W. Greene, Treas.; John Henry, Warden; J. M. Jones, Cond,; J. W. 
Kerns, I. G.; W. J. Morris, 0. G.; George T. Whitley, R. S. N. G.; Fred. 
Frank, L. S. N. G.; H. Hansen, R. S. V. G.; H. Manuel, L. S. V. G.; Frank 
Whitby, R. S. S.; William Trudgeon, L. S. S. 

Suisun Lodge, No. 49, A. 0. U. W.: — This lodge was organized September 
3, 1878, the chartered members being D. M. Miller, Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, 
John Krause, and ten others. Tke first ofiicers elected to serve were : J. M. 



298 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Gregory, P. M. W.; Alexander Dunn, M. W.; H. Robinson, F. W.; S. G. 
Palmer, 0.; 0. R. Coghlan, Recorder; A. P. Spence, Financier; John Hemy, 
Receiver; W. N. Bowen, Guide; John Wagoner, I. W.; C. F. Montgomery, 
0. W. The objects of this Order are too well known to be stated at length. 
It embraces, in addition to the mutual-aid principles common to many secret 
societies, an insurance of S:2,000 on the life of each member. Its .system of 
mutual aid and life insurance is almost entirely free from the risks and 
failures of ordinary life-insurance companies. The Order now numbers 
over 10,000 members in this State, and is rapidlj* increasing, as it meets the 
wants of the great mass of men who \vish to make provision for their fami- 
lies in the safest and most economical way. 

Bank of Suisun:- -Thh bank was establi-shed Februaiy 7, 187G, ^vith an 
authorized capital of SIOO.OOO, under the management of R. D. Robbins 
president, and W. Wolf, cashier, the directoi-s being R. D. Robbins, C. F. 
D. Hastings, E. P. Hilborn, W. H. Turner and J. B. Hoyt. It does an ordi- 
nary banking business, and corresponds with the Anglo-Californian Bank 
of San Francisco, and J. and W. Seligman & Co. of New York. 

Suimin Fire DepartTnent. — The history of the Fire Depai'tment of Suisun 
City may not unfairly be said to have commenced March 2-i, 1860, when the 
Solano Herald (A. R. Gunnison, editor,) modestly urged the necessity of an 
organization, and said that " the first step in the matter of preparation is to 
build two or more cisterns on the plaza, which may be kept always full of 
water and ready to meet any emergenc}'." "A large force-pump, with hose 
attached," was considered sufficient apparatus for a beginning. In the next 
issue of the paper an anonjinous advertisement appeared, calling for " a pre- 
liminar}' meeting of firemen, April -tth, at Wheaton's Hall," inviting all to 
be present who " were interested in the matter of protection against fire." 
At the time specified, as appears by an item of April 7th, a meeting was 
held and " a committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration, 
ascertain the cost of cisterns, force-pumps and other apparatus, and report 
April 11th at Chrisler's Hall. The next week's paper contained an item 
headed " Fire Wardens," showing that " at a meeting of those interested in 
protection from fire, Messrs. D. Ballard, D. E. Stockton, and J. B. Lemon, 
were elected Trustees, to receive the money subscribed by the citizens, ex- 
pend the same in building cisterns and superintend the construction thereof." 
Another item shows that " at a meeting of Union Fire Co. No. 1, held on 
April 11th, John S. Miller presiding, T. J. McGarvey, J. Frank, and P. A. 
Wood, were appointed a committee on laws, and thej" thereupon presented 
a copy of the Constitution and By-laws of Weber Co. No. 1. of Stockton, 
which was adopted with slight amendments. The fii-st officei-s elected were: 
Wm. J. Morris, Foreman; J. C. Owen, 1st Assistant; T. J. McGarvey, 2d 
Assistant; D. Ballai'd, Secretary; J. H. Mareton, Treasurer. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 299 

After a season of 'struggles sufficient means was finally procured to pur- 
chase an engine, and it reached town on the steamer Rambler August 22, 
1861, escorted by Ex-Chief F. E. R. Whitney, and half a dozen of the "How- 
ard" boys of the Fire Department of San Francisco. It was manufactured 
by Hunneman & Co., of Boston, in 1857, and was the last one made by that 
firm for that city prior to the introduction of the steam engines now in use 
there. The reception was enthusiastic, and the " boys " had a good time at 
the "social hop" in the evening. In June, 1862, the paper referred to the 
needs of the department, and recalled the facts that since the tirst advocacy 
of its formation " the company had constructed two capacious cisterns, 
furnishing an ample supply of water, at a cost of $400, and purchased an 
engine at a cost of $1,600, and still owed for 550 feet of hose." September 
12, 1862, John W. Owen and his associates in title donated the lot whereon 
the present engine-hou.se was built. Since its formation, the company has 
passed through various grades of adversity and occasional prosperity, but 
since April 8, 1874, when the pi-esent foreman, John T. Hammond, was ap- 
pointed to its leadership, it has been steadily progressing toward perfection 
and efficiency. It is now out of debt, owning its house, lot and apparatus, 
and is fairly officered and manned. Five public and two private cisterns in 
different parts of the town, averaging a capacity of 10,000 gallons each, help 
to insure the place against devastation by fire. 

Suisun and Fairfield Water Company. — Was organized as a joint stock 
company, with one thousand shares of one hundred dollars each, on April 
24, 1866. The officers, after permanent organization, were: Samuel Breck, 
President ; M. Dinkelspiel, Vice-President ; F. 0. Staples, Treasurer ; George 
A. Gillesjjie, Secretary, and W. K. Hoyt, Superintendent. There were five 
directors, from which the above officers were elected, except Hoyt. The re- 
maining director being D. M. Stockman. The tanks, pumps, etc., were erected 
on land bought by the company, formerly owned by John Doughty and W. 
S. Wells, situated about one-half mile from Fairfield. Work was commenced 
soon after organization and completed March, 1868. There is a large " main" 
laid from the tanks through Fairfield to the south side of Suisun, a dis- 
tance of 1| miles, and is made of cement, the smaller ones, leading to dwel- 
lings, etc., are iron. The present officers are : E. P. Hilborn, President ; 
Lewis Pierce, Vice-President ; Harvy Rice, Treasurer ; D. M. Stockman, Sec- 
retary, and Josiah Wing, Jr., Superintendent. The company have erected 
this year (1879) two new tanks of 10,000 gallons capacity, and one tank- 
house. 

Suisun City Mills. — At the head of the industries of California stands 
the growing of wheat; second in the catalogue is the manufacture of flour. 
The latter branch is steadily increasing, to keep pace with the demand, and 
the rapid progress being made in the cultivation of wheat. 



800 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

First among the industries of this town is the turning of wheat into flour. 
The flouring mill of Suisun is not only an honor to the city, but a credit to 
the county. Solano county being one of the banner wheat counties of the 
State, a milling interest has obtained here that deserves more than a pass- 
ing notice in this volume. 

J. G. Edwards and S. C. Reed commenced the erection of a frame mill on 
the site where the present brick structure stands, May 1, 1854. It was a 
two-story building, in which were but two run of stone, and was only used 
as a custom mill. It was run by steam, and did its first work on October 
1st of that year. In order to give place to a larger and better structure, 
this mill was torn down and moved away in the spring of 1858, a portion of 
which is now the Roberts' Hotel. 

This firm the same spring commenced the erection of what is known as 
the Suisun City Mills. It turned its first wheel in October of that year. 
The main structure is 42x52, three stories high. The foundation story or 
basement is a solid system of stone masonr}^ two feet thick. The two stories 
above the basement are brick, -with pitch and gravel roof over all. On the 
first floor is where the wheat is received. There are elevator spouts, screen 
spouts, and a garner in which the wheat is dampened for grinding, also the 
line of shafting, which drives the stones above, are located on this floor On 
the second floor are four run of stone, supported by wooden hurst frames, 
one wheat garner and one revolving wheat screen. In the third story is 
where the wheat cleaning is done. There are two smutters, one National 
cut separator and one suction fan. There are also three hoppers, two for 
wheat and one for middlings, which feed the stones below. On this floor, 
but separated from the cleaning room, is the bolting chest and five reels. 

To the east and rear of the main building is the engine room, 30x60 feet, 
_ built of brick, in which is a forty -horse steam engine, the main shaft of 
which rests on a solid stone foundation, thereupon hanging a balance wheel 
weighing one ton. 

To the south of the engine room is located the boiler room, in which are 
two (36) tubular boilers, sixteen feet long. 

S. C. Reed sold his interest in this mill to Jerry Marston, in October, 1859, 
and the entei-prise was conducted under the firm name of Edwards .t Mars- 
ton until July, 1860, when Edwards sold to Stockman Bros. D. E. Stock- 
man sold to Marston in 1866, and D. M. Stockman on August 3, 1867. This 
firm erected during the year 1866 a warehouse, one and two stories high, of 
brick, running east and north of the main building. It is 62x110 feet, with 
a capacity of one thousand tons. Theoflice occupies a portion of this room, 
and there is also a car track running the entire length of the building to the 
slough dock, which aflbrds the shipping facilities for the entire building. 

Jerry Marston sold to E. P. Hilbom k Co., July, 1872, who are at present 
conducts the business, with Richard P. Le Gro as manager. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 301 

Suisun Glee Club. — This club was temporarily organized at the residence 
of D. M. Stockman, on June 14, 1878, and took permanent shape by the 
adoption of a constitution on the 12th of July following, with D. M. Stock- 
man, President ; T. G. Whitley, Treasurer and Secretary, and J. K. Bateman, 
Director. The present officers are S. B. Saunders, President ; T. G. Whit- 
ney, Secretary and Treasurer, and J. K. Bateman, Director. The member- 
ship is thirty-seven. This club has already rendered the Cantata of Queen 
Esther, on four occasions, with marked success, and in a manner which would 
put into the shade towns and societies of greater pretensions ; indeed, so 
much musical talent is seldom found in so small a compass. Let the Suisun 
Glee Club proceed ! ! ! 

News Papers: — The first paper published in Suisun Township was the 
Solano County Herald: -The first number of this paper was issued on the 
2d day of October, 1858. This paper had been published at Benicia, having 
been established there in November, 1855, by Messrs. George and Cellers. 
At the time of its removal to Suisun it was under the management of Wm. 
J. Hooton & Co., the late Judge Wm. Wells being the other member of the 
firm. It was printed in a building on the south side of the plaza. Decem- 
ber 17, 1859, J. G. Lawton, Jr., assumed control of the paper as editor and 
publisher, although he had been the editor previously. On the 10th of May, 
1860, the management was again changed. Powers & Gunnison assuming con- 
trol, with Gunnison in the editorial chair. Later in that year E. E. Hatha- 
way became connected with the business, and the firm name was changed to 
O. B. Powers & Co. In 1862, H. Hubbard & Co. began the publication of 
the Solano Press, and continued the publication until September, 1866, when 
they disposed of their interest to G. A. Gillespie and Woodford Owens. In 
the fall of 1869 the Press and Herald were consolidated, and a new name 
given to the paper. It was called the Solano Republican. October 13th, 
1875, 0. B. Powers, who was the sole proprietor, disposed of the paper to 
Messrs. C. F. Montgomery and W. N. Bowen. Previous to this the paper 
had always been a six-column folio. At this time the subscription-list did 
not exceed one hundred, and the advertising patronage was merely nominal. 
The size of the paper was increased to a seven-column folio the second issue 
under the new management. The business prospects of the paper began at 
at once to get brighter. The subscription-list was increased during the first 
year to nearly one thousand, and the advertising patronage increased in 
proportion. In the spring of 1877 a quarter-medium Nonpariel job press 
was purchased, and a full assortment of job type. In October, 1877, the 
paper was again enlarged, to a six-column quarto, (8 pages) and in June, 
1878, it was again enlarged, to a seven-column quarto, which is its present 
size and form. Feb. 14th, 1879, the management again changed hands, W. N 
Bowen disposing of his interest to L. L. Palmer, and the business is now 



302 . THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

conducted under the firm name of Montgomery & Palmer, with C. F. Mont- 
gomery as editor and L. L. Palmer as associate editor. The Bepublican is 
a fearless defender and advocate of the rights of the people, and is a wel- 
come weekly visitor to nearly every house in the upper portion of Solano 
county. 

The Solano County Democrat, with Thompson & Sinthicun, piiblishers, 
was established at Suisun, April 30, 1868. In 1870 it was moved to 
Vallejo. 

The Counti/ Hospital. — This building is situated about thi-ee miles to the 
east of Faii'field, the county seat, and covers an area of SOxG-i feet. It is a 
building two stories high, on the first floor there being the oflice of the 
physician and drug store, the dining room, general sitting room, and six 
small wards, and bath houses as well. On the upper floor there are four 
large wards, while in the rear there is an addition for cook, stewai'ds, and 
store rooms. It is throughout fitted with every modern improvement, its 
system of drainage being connected with a creek at the distance of a quarter 
of a mile. The physicians are Doctors A. T. Spence and W. G. Downing, 
both gentlemen well practiced in their profession, and much liked in the 
district. 

The Emharcadero : — Time was when the scene was busy on this landing 
place. Before the railroad came to fly ofl" with the lai-ge profits of grain 
from the upper part of the country, wagons by strings were wont to arrive 
to start their precious sacks of cereals, boxes of fruit, and hampere of vege- 
tables to mai-ket, on boai'd of schoonei-s, sloops, and steamboats which then 
plyed to this point. A warehouse of considerable proportions was con- 
structed for the storage of freight, and all " went merry as a marriage bell.' 
To-day a few regular traders arrive and depart at stated intervals ; while a 
steamer makes the journey to San Francisco thrice a week. On the wharf 
are deposited tons of cobble stones, procured in the mountains near Rock- 
ville, and heaps of marble from Swan's quarries, awaiting shipment' to San 
Francisco, there to be utilized, but, there is not much sign of life, for portions 
of the warehouse have fallen in and much desolation abounds. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 303 



r 



DENVERTON, 



Geography: — Denverton township is bounded on the north by Maine 
Prairie township, on the east by Rio Vista Township, on the south by 
Montezuma township, and on the west by B-uisun township. It is rect- 
angular in shape, and is a little longer north and south than east and west. 
Nurse's slough extends through a portion of the south-west portion. It is 
navigable for small craft as far up as Denverton. The western boundary 
line is the Mt. Diablo meridian line. Hence it lies in range I east, and it is 
in range 4 north. Mount Diablo Meridian. 

Topography : — The western and northern portions of the township are 
comparatively level, but the southern and eastern portions, including a large 
part of the central portion, is quite hilly. This is especially so of the south- 
eastern portion, which extends into the heart of the Montezuma hills. 

Soil: — The soil in this township is as varied as the State itself. The 
southwest portion is a salt-marsh, on which the tule thrives. It is not con- 
sidered productive. Further northward, the soil is alluvial and adobe in 
sections, and white alkali and hardpan in other sections. The belt of alkali 
and hardpan extends along the northern portions of it. The eastern and 
south-eastern portions are almost exclusively adobe, and is very rich and 
productive. Of course nothing but a short, wild grass ever grows on the 
alkali land. It is used principally for grazing purposes. There is a gravel 
belt of very peculiar formation extending through the western portion 
of the township. It seems to be the bed of some old-time and long- 
since-forgotten stream, although at present it is not in the least depressed as 
compared with the adjacent land. The boundary lines of this gravel belt 
are clearly dehnable, to a single rod. The gravel ranges in size from a pea 
to a boulder a foot in <liameter. This is an interesting topic for the 
geologists to discuss. 

Climate: — The climate of this township is very similar to Rio Vista. 
The cold, damp west winds sweep the entire surface of the country, making 
the weather delightfully cool in mid-summer, while only a few miles to the 
northward they are suffering with heat. 

Proikuit'i: — Wheat and barley are the only graips which thrive to any 
great extent in this township. Little or no fruit or vegetables are grown 
except in occasionally favored spots. The yield of the former is fair on 



304 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

most of the arable land in the township, but they are grown with unusual 
success in the Montezuma hill section. 

Schools : — The school interests are represented by two districts, viz : Den- 
verton and Montezuma. Only one teacher is employed in each of these 
schools, and the attendance is not very large. 

Churches : — The Cumberland Presbyterians have a church building and 
organization near the location of the Montezuma District School-house. 
This church organization is the outgrowth of a Sunday school, started in 
November, 1864, with Mr. Parish as Superintendent. The building was 
erected in 1870. In 1875 it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1876. 
The organizing members were : Mrs. E. D. Carey, Wm. Wight, Mrs. T. R. 
Stewart, Daniel Barnett, Nancy Barnett, Jas. L. Barnett, Sam'l Barnett. 
The pastors have been. Rev. D. E. Bushnell, who served till Jan. 1, 1874, 
and Rev. J. M. Crawford, who has served the church ever since. It is 
known as the Shiloh chiu-ch. This is the only chuixh building or organiza- 
tion in the tovmship. 

Toiims : — Denvorton is the only town in this township. It is located 10 
miles east of Faii-field, at the head of navigation, on Nurse's slough, and 
was formerly called Niirse's Landing. Its name was changed to Denverton 
in 1858, at which time the post-office was establi-shed there. It was so 
named in honor of J. W. Denver, at that time member of Congress from this 
district. It contains a few houses and perhaps 50 inhabitants. It is sup- 
plied with city water — a private enterprize of Dr. Nurse's. 

Early Seftlevient : — The first house erected in the township was built by 
Dr. S. K. Nurse in 1853. The entire countrj' was then one great stretch of 
wild oats, reaching to a man's shoulder while on horseback, through which 
herds of elks, antelope and deer roamed at will. This building was soon 
followed by a residence erected by D. K. Barry, located about one-half mile 
to the eastward of Nurse's house. The old house was standing in 1878, on 
its original site. In 1854 Dr. Nurse built a store-house. He also con- 
structed a Avharf, with 100 feet frontage. It has since been extended to 300 
feet. Mr. Stewart and his son Samuel, the Arnolds, Daniels, Cooks, and 
others, followed in rapid succession, until the land was all t-aken. 

Etceteni : — In 18G6 Dr. Nurse erected a tine brick store building. In 
1867 he built a brick warehouse, 60x160 feet, with a storage capacity of 
2,500 tons. The post-cjfiice was established in 1858, and Dr. Nurse ap- 
pointed postmaster ; he has held the office without inteiTuption ever since, 
thus making him an incumbent for 21 years. He is probablj" the veteran 




'AO-c. 



^^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 305 

officeholder in Solano county, if not in California. In 1875 Dr. Nurse con- 
structed a telegraph line, connecting Denverton with Suisun. In 1876 this 
line was merged into the Monteziima Telegi-aph Company, of which Dr. 
Nurse has always been president. In 1870 the Good Templars erected a 
building for lodge purposes. The lodge has thrived and sustained a good 
membership at that place for a great many years. Nurse's Slough is the 
intende-? outlet of the drainage canal which it is proposed to open from the 
head of Cache slough to the head of Nurse's slough. The canal will pass 
diagonally through Denverton township, but Maine Prairie and Rio Vista 
townships would be the ones who would reap the benefit of this. 

Denverton Lodge, I. 0. G. T.: — Was organized November 16, 1866, with 
twenty-three charter members. The dedication took place in Dr. S. K. 
Nurse's hall, where they continued to meet until 1870, then in the School- 
house in Denverton until after the erection in November, 1871, of their 
new hall. The charter officers were Judge J. B. Carrington, W. C. T, ; Mrs. 
S. K. Nurse. W. V. T. ; and Miss E. D. Kerry, Secretary. 



20 



306 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



MAINE PRAIRIE. 



Geography : — Maine Praii-ie township is bounded on the north by Silvey- 
ville and Tremont townships, on the east by Yolo county and Rio Vista 
township, on the south by Rio Vista and Denverton townships, and on the 
west by Ehnira township. It is located in range 2 and 3 east and 5 and 6 
north, M. D. M. Linda slough, an offshoot from Cache slough, and quite 
a stream of water, forms the line of division between it and Rio Vista 
township on the south. Prospect slough, another offshoot of Cache slough, 
is the boundary line between it and Rio Vista township on the east ; Cache 
slouo-h, from its intersection with Prospect slough, extends in a northwest- 
erly direction through the township for a distance of about ten miles ; near 
the head of Cache slough it branches, and the north branch is known as 
Bounds slough ; Cache slough is navigable for small vessels and light 
draught steamers. 

Topography : — The entire surface of this township is almost a perfect 
level. The southeastern poi'tion of it is tule land, which, as you pass north- 
ward or westward, passes off into a va-st level plain. 

Soil: — We are sorry that we cannot say as much in favor of the soil in 
this township as in some others in the county. Of course the tule land is 
the usual rich alluvial soil of that class of land, but the most of the other 
land is composed of alkali soil and " hard pan," as it is called, old " salt 
licks," and "buffalo wallows," are numerous in that class of land. There is 
some adobe, and it is the most productive of all the land except the tule. 
A number of years ago the most of the land bordering on the tules on the 
west side of them was entered by settlers in small tracts from 80 acres to 
640. In less than five years every settler had found out his mistake and 
had left for a more productive section, and to-day their deserted houses dot 
the plains, a sad faced finger-board pointing to blasted hopes and wasted 
fortunes. Where those hardy pioneers hoped some day to see happy homes 
and prosperous families, there is nothing but desolation. All these farms 
have been bought up by persons for sheep ranges. 

Climate : — The climate of this township is milder than that in Rio Vista 
on its south, yet not so warm as that in Tremont on its north. Being so 
level the winds have a fair sweep across the vast stretch of plain and moor. 
The barrenness of these plains causes the heat to reflect to a great extent, 
and rising from the earth it mollifies and tempers the cold damp sea breeze, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 307 

making it one of the most delightful zephyrs. But on the other hand, 
when the north wind blows, it converts it almost into a veritable sirocco. 
In common with the entire county, it is very healthful. 

Products : — The principal products of the township are wheat and barley. 
A considerable number of the farmers in the township are engaged in 
dairying on a limited scale. The yield of grain is seldom very great to the 
acre. Fruit and vegetables grow but very indifferently in all parts of it, 
except in the tule land. 

Early Settlement: — Maine Prairie Township was mostly settled in the Fall 
of 1861, and in the years 1862 and 1863, it being included in what was known 
as the Lucco grant, which was previously in litigation but finally decided in 
favor of the United States, was immediately opened as public land for entry, 
the survey being made in the Summer of 1862. Among the earliest settlers 
in this vicinity were Mr. J. F. Brown, J. B. Jameson, Sherman Brown, who 
came in 1861, Albert Bennett, D. B. Brown, James Curk, H. N. Bentley, in 
1862. The above-named are nearly all of the first comers that remain until 
the present time, very many having remained but a few years, others coming 
to take their places. The early settlers being mostly thorough-going Ameri- 
can citizens, they thought the first thing to do was to establish schools and 
have a place for meeting; so a school district was petitioned for, taking in 
all vacant territory, it being about ten miles square, known as the Maine 
Prairie School District; since which time the districts of Binghamton, Morn- 
ing Light and Enterprise have been carved out. A subscription was at 
once started, and some six or seven hundred dollars was received, with 
which two school-houses were enclosed and made to answer the purposes of 
school-room and church, free to all denominations, one at what is now Bing- 
hamton, and one at Maine Prairie Landing, George King (now of Dixon), J. 
B. Jameson and Albert Bennett being the trustees. For several years all 
eflforts in this direction were heartily seconded by the older settlers who 
were carrying on business at Maine Prairie Landing — Mr. J. C. Merrithew, 
John N. Utter, Widow Lewis (the hostess of Maine Prairie Hotel), Deck & 
Co. (Mr. Deck, H. Wilcox, W. D. Vail), J. & Charles S. Gushing, merchants. 
On the completion of the G. P. Railroad the main business of Maine Prairie 
was cut oft', the thousands of tons of grain and other products being trans- 
ported by rail to market, instead of being shipped by water at the landing. 

Mr. W. D. Vail at present carries on the business of warehousing, lumber- 
yard, etc. 

Captain James A. French has a large and well filled store. F. W. Petrus 
carries on blacksmithing in all its branches; also owns a farm, a mile or so 
out of town, which he farms. 

The Widow Lewis keeps the only hotel in town. 

The public school at present is taught by Miss Lizzie Furgerson. 



308 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COrNTT. 

Formation of a Military Company: — During the Summer of 1863, when 
the country -was in great excitement growing out of our civil war.our patriotic 
and loyal citizens thought it advisable to organize a military company. 
Many were more than anxious to enroll themselves as soldiers, subject to 
the call of the State. The company was speedily formed, under the laws of 
California, and enrolled as a company of the State militia, receiving the 
name of "Maine Prairie Rifles," on the 19th day of September, 1863, Leland 
Stanford then being Governor, and William C. Kibbe Adjutant General. 
About sixty men were enrolled at the organization, subsequently numbering 
seventy-two. At the first election of officers Albert Bennett was elected 
captain (still residing at Maine Prairie); John Low (now of Capaz Valley), 
first lieutenant, A. S. Hopkins (now of Sacramento) and James Bingham 
other lieutenants. Binghamton was chosen as the headquarters of the com- 
pany. It was soon decided by the company to build an armory, resulting 
in the erection of a brick fireproof building, about 35x50 feet, one story high. 
The many meetings of the company for drill, target practice, picnics and 
other things which grew out of the formation of the company, had a most 
salutary and happy influence in binding the whole community together in 
that harmony and good feeling for which Binghamton has been so noted. 
The company continued in a healthy condition until disbanded. The 
" Maine Prairie Rifles," together ^^^th about half of the companies of the State, 
were disbanded under the administration of Governor Haight; Albert Ben- 
nett, having been the captain of the company during its existence, being 
from time to time almost unanimously re-elected. The company sold its 
armory to Mr. D. L. Munson, who was engaged in merchandising, he fitting 
it up for a store, adding another story for a public hall. The building was 
subsequently sold to the school trustees for a school-house — the former 
school-house ha\'ing been destroyed by fire — the lower story being fitted for 
school purposes, the hall being for public use. Mr. F. M. Righter is the 
the present efficient and popular teacher. 

Lodge of Good Templars : — Was organized at Binghamton, June 9,1863. 
Mr. H. N. Bentley and wife, Jos. Bingham and wife, 0. Bingham, and G. W. 
Frazer and wife being among the charter members. It became a large and 
flourishing lodge, numbering, at one time, about one hundred and twenty- 
five members. It has continued from its organization until the. present time 
without a break — nearly sixteen years. At present its membership is about 
thirty. 

The late H. N. Bentley was one of its most efficient and earnest workers. 
A book containing the names of those initiated, from the organization until 
now, is kept, showing at present nearly four hundred names. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 309 

The M. E. Church of Binghamton : — Was organized about the year 1865. 
There had grown to be, during the two previous years, quite a large and 
flourishing society, under the name of " Union Service," as the christian 
population was of almost all denominations. A large Sunday School, in the 
meantime, had developed. 

The M. E. Church, with its accustomed shrewdness and tact, made the 
first organization as a church. Nearly all fell in with the new order of 
things, and thus was permanently established the M. E. Church of Bing- 
hamton, always having a good influence on the community at large. The 
Sunday School was carried on without being especially under the control 
of the M. E. Church until November 11, 1866, when a resolution was 
adopted " to reorganize and place the school under the especial care and 
supervision of the M. E. Church." Mr. Geo. C. Mack, now of Westminster, 
Los Angeles county, was chosen Superintendent. 

Binghamton and Dixon, at present, constitute the circuit ; T. H. Wood- 
ward, preacher in charge. 

Protestant Methodist Church : — About the year 1865 an organization of 
the Protestant Methodist Church was made at Maine Prairie Landing. 
Among its movers were Rev. T. New, Rev. G. B. Triplett, and Revs. Dunton 
and Graves, and a few others. The enterprise entirely failed in a year or 
two. 

Cumberland Presbyterian Church: — About the year 1871 a Cumbeiiand 
Presbyterian Church was formed at Maine Prairie Landing by Rev. Mr. 
Bushnell, then of Suisun, now of San Jose ; continuing his ministrations 
until his removal to San Jose, since which time Rev. J. Naft". Crawford has 
afiiciated as pastor. 

The town of the township is known by the township name — Maine 
Prairie. It is a shipping and trading point at the head of navigation on 
Cache slough. It lies eighteen miles north-east of the county seat. In the 
year 1859 Capt. Merrithew, in company with J. "H. Utter, located on the 
south bank of the slough, and began a general merchandise, grain, and 
lumber business. The following year, 1860, H. G. Deck, H. Wilcox, and 
W. D. Vail formed a co-partnership, known as Deck &; Co., and began a 
general merchandise business on the north side of the slough, opposite Mer- 
rithew & Utter. In 1860 a hotel was built by George King, and other 
houses rapidly followed until quite a little village was built up ; but the 
flood of 1862 swept things here as at Rio Vista. There was nothing left 
to mark the site of the town. The water stood twelve feet deep in the 
streets, and as deep for miles in every direction, which was lashed into a 
seething sea by the howling south-east storm winds, sweeping everything 
from existence, and blotting the town out of existence in its relentless fury. 



310 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

As soon as the waters had subsided most of the settlers came back again ; 
but, while some rebuilt on the old site, many preferred to go farther up the 
slough where the land was a trifle more elevated. Accordingly Mrs. Rebec- 
ca Lewis surveyed a town plat on her ranch about one-foui-th of a mile 
above the old site. This new^ town received the name of Alton, being so 
named by a pioneer settler in the town, Mr. S. R. Perry, a former resident 
of Alton, Illinois. The tirst business conducted in the town was by Gushing 
Bros. (C. S. and J. H.) They were dealers in general merchandise. Perry 
& Co. were the next to locate here. The firm consisted of S. R. Perry and 
Wm. C. Palmer, both now residing in Rio Vista. They carried a full stock 
of general goods, also dealt in grain and lumber. They built a handsome 
brick store building, also an extensive warehouse, both of which stand 
to-day as mute witnesses to the fact that " The best laid plans of mice and 
men gang aft aglee." The buildings were erected before the railroad era in 
California, and there was no more promising point for a business of that 
nature in the State. The grain from all the valleys, away to the north and 
westward, centered there for .shipment, and the amount shipped from there 
yearly was exceeded by no place in the State except Stockton. The year 
of 1863 was an uncommonly bountiful one, and in the fall the grain came 
teeming forth from all directions in enormous quantities. One team is 
reported to have drawn 30,800 pounds of wheat, at one load, from Putah 
creek. During this year there were 50,000 tons of grain shipped from this 
point alone. It is said that it was a common occurrence to see 180 wagons 
in town with gi-ain in a single day. But it might be of interest to note 
that during the following season only one load of barley was brought to 
the town. This was a dry year, and a hard one, too, it proved for the 
fai-mers of California. Mrs. Lewis built a hotel there during the year, and 
continues to this day to dispense rest and refreshments to the weary traveler 
who chances to stray so far away from the line of ordinary travel. The 
post ofiice was established in 1862, Capt. J. C. Merrithew being appointed 
postmaster. A bi-anch office of the Western Union Telegraph Company was 
established ther-e in 1870. Since the days of railroads the town has been 
on the down grade. The immediate surrounding country would support a 
town of any size, and the outside supply was shut off", of course, by the 
railroad. The town looks old ; the buildings are unpainted, rickety, and 
dilapidated. A general aii- of lonesomeness and desolation seems to pervade 
the place, and a stranger is glad to get away from the place. It is a good 
shipping point, and the time may come when it will regain some of its pris- 
tine glories, but this is doubtful. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 311 



MONTEZUMA, 



Geography : — Montezuma township is bounded on the north by Denver- 
ton townshijj, on the east by Rio Vista township, on the south by the Sac- 
ramento river and the bay of Suisun, and on the west by Suisun township. 

Topograiohy: — By far the major portion of this township consists of 
large, steep hills, known as the Montezuma hills, from whence the township 
derives its name. To one traveling over the level plains of the northern 
townships, these hills seem like small mountains, and it is a great surprise 
to strangei's to learn that they are cultivated. On the southern and western 
borders there is a belt of swamp and overflowed land, but it bears a small 
relation to the entire township. 

Soil: — The soil of the Montezuma hills is mostly adobe, and it is unex- 
celled for growing grain, but is of little use for other purposes. The 
marsh soil is alluvial, but as it is a salt-marsh, it is good for but little except 
pasturage. 

Climate: — The trade winds sweep over this township with great force, 
bearing with it more or less dampness. It is very healthful throughout, 
even on the marsh land. The climate cannot be called delightful, although 
it is in California, but is doubtless preferable for many reasons to warmer 
sections further north. 

Products: — The principal products are grain and hay. Wheat and bar- 
ley thrive magnificently on these hills, while the growth of wild oats is still 
luxurious wherever they have a chance. Fruits and vegetables do not thrive 
very well; the adobe soil is too stiff and cold for vegetables, while the strong 
winds destroy the trees. 

Industries: — The principal industry of the people is farming, but the 
fishing for salmon, and canning the same has of late years assumed consid- 
erable proportions. There are two canneries located at Collinsville, and one 
on Chipps Island. The three combined have a capacity of about 60,000 
one-pound cans a day. They afford employment to about 300 men, and 
about 250 more are engaged in catching the fish. 

Early Settlement: — Among the first houses built in Solano County was one 
erected in this township. It was an adobe, and still stands, and is occupied 
by Mr. L. P. Marshall. This house was constructed in 1846, by L. W. 



312 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COCXTY. 

Hastings. He was a Mormon agent, sent into California to seek an eligible 
site for the location of a colony of Mormons. He chose this point, at the 
head of Suismi Bay, and near the junction of the two great rivers of the 
comitry — Sacramento and San Joaquin — and laid out a town site. Owing 
to the fact that there was uo timber land couvenienth" located, the Mormons 
refused to settle there. Bayard Taylor, in his ''Eldorado," mentions the 
"Montezuma House," as it has always been called, as "the city of Monte- 
zuma, a solitary house, on a sort of headland, projecting into Suisun Bay, 
and fronting its rival thi-ee-house city, New-Tork-of-the-Pacific." Hastings 
established a ferr}- between the site now occupied by Collinsville, and the 
Contra Costa side of the bay, for the accommodation of ti-avelers passing 
either way. This was probably the firet ferry ever established on the Sac- 
ramento or San Joaquin rivers. Hastings remained at this place about 
three years, but when the gold-excitement broke out he went into the 
mines. In the winter of 1853, L. P. Mai-shall and his sons John and C. K., 
arrived from the States with a band of cattle. In' passing down the Sac- 
ramento river they came upon the adobe house buUt by Hastings, and 
were glad to take shelter in it from the storms. The house was in a very 
dilapidated condition, but was easily repaired, and served well the purpose, 
of a shelter. In and about the house they found numerous appliances for 
the manufacture of counterfeit coin, such as crucibles, dies, copper, etc. It 
is supposed that a band of counterfeiters had found the place deserted, and 
taken possion of it. It is possible, however, that Hastings had used them 
in coining money to be- used by the Mormons when they arrived. Hastings 
had a sqatter's claim to tlie premises, wliich was bought by John Marshall 
for his father (the latter being at the time absent from the State) who gave, 
as a consideration, two mules and six head of cattle, all valued at SI, 000 
The second house built in the township was a frame-building, erected by 
F. 0. Townsend, in 1853. It was located on what is now known as the 
Kirby farm. Lucco laid claim to all the land in this and Denverton town- 
ship as a Spanish grant, but he failed in estabhshing his claim, and in 1855 
the land was declared to be Government land, and open for pre-emption. 

COLLIXSVILLE: — CoUinsville is the only town in the township ; it is a ship- 
ping port on the Sacramento river, just at the de bouchure of that stream. 
In 1859, C. J. Collins pre-empted the land where the town now stands. In 
1861, he surveyed a town plat and built a wharf and store : previous to 
this time the steamers, which phed the Sacramento river, had never stopped 
at this point. The embryotic to-mi was christened for its projector — Col- 
linsville. Some time diu-ing the same year a post office was established 
here, and Geo. W. Miller was appointed the first Postmaster. In 1867, Mr. 
Collins sold his property to S. C. Bradshaw, and he changed the name of the 
place to Newport. The old Califomians well remember J^ewport and the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNT"^. 313 

enterprise displayed by its proprietor in the disposition of town lots, and, 
perhaps, a few at the East have cause to remember him also ; huge maps of 
an extensive tovra plat were placed into the hands of agents, who visited 
all the principal Eastern cities, and sold and resold lots covering all the 
swamp land in that section ; excm-sions were gotten up in San Francisco, 
and a pereon paid a certain amount (SIO, we think) for a round trip ticket, 
which included a claim to a town lot in the flourishing (on paper) town of 
Newport. At the end of about five yeai-s, the property again changed 
hands, E. I. Upham becoming the owner ; he changed the name back to the 
original, and so it continues to this day. Mr. Upham is an energetic man, 
and he has made quite a business and shipping point out of the town ; two 
lines of steamers stop there, going each way, daily ; it is connected with the 
outside world by the Montezuma telegraph. 

Schools and Churches: — There is only one school house in the to'wnship ; 
this one is situated near the town of CoUinsville ; strange to note, there is 
not a church in the township. Here is a broad and fertile field for some 
zealous missionary. 

It is also the chief salmon fishing gi-ound in Califoi-nia, and large num- 
bers are shipped daily to San Francisco. At certain seasons of the year there 
are vast numbers canned for export to various parts of the world. 

The village has two hotels, three saloons, billiards, etc., two stores, post- 
oflice, telegi'aph ollice, and an agency of Wells, Faigo & Co.'s Expi-ess. 

The first salmon canning establishment in California was erected here by 
A. Booth & Co., who afterwards discontinued and was succeeded by E. Cor- 
ville i: Co. who have carried on the business for two years. Other canneries 
have since been erected and are now conducted by the Sacramento River 
Packing Co. 



314 fHE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



VACAVILLE 



Boundaries: — In the last apportionment of Solano county into townships 
on June 27, 1866, that of Vacaville is ordered as follows : Commencing at 
the N. E. corner of section 18, township 5 N., R. 1 E.; thence west on sec- 
tion line to S. W. corner of section 3, towTiship 5 N., R. 1 W.; thence north 
to the N. E. corner of section 3, township 5 N., R. 1 W.; thence west on the 
township line to the boundary line of the Armijo rancho at the N. W. cor- 
ner of said township ; thence north and west, following said boundary to 
the county line at the S. E. corner of Napa county; thence northerly along 
the boundary line between Napa and Solano counties to Putah creek ; thence 
down said creek to a point one mile W. of Mount Diablo meridian ; thence 
south on section lines to the S. W. corner of section No. 1, township 6 N., 
R. 1 W.: thence east two miles ; thence south to the place of beginning. 

Topography : — The area of Vacaville town-ship is 66,790 acres, and is 
diversified into mountains and valleys of the finest soil in the county. A 
spur of hills extends from its boundary, and runs nearly north to the Putah 
creek, the range having a general average of three miles in width ; the 
slopes, benches and valleys being renowned for early fruits and vegetables. 
West of these hills lies Pleasants' valley, which extends to the above men- 
tioned creek; also famed for its particularly genial climate and growing 
properties, it sending the first fruits and vegetables into market from any 
part of the State. The great Vaca valley, formerly known as the Ulattis, 
lies to the north-east of that of Suisun, is five miles in length, and one and 
a half broad : it runs between two ranges of hills of considerable altitude, 
and opens into the Sacramento valley. It, and its two off-shoots, Lagoon 
and Pleasants' valle}', are the admiration of all travelers. This township is 
also well favored as regards streams ; for we find that the Sweeny creek 
rises in the Vaca hills, six miles north of the town of Vacaville, flows in a 
north-easterly dii-ection for the distance of eight miles ; thence in a south- 
easterly course to the vicinity of Maine Prairie, and empties into Cache 
slough. There is also the Ulattis creek, which rises in these hills, about five 
miles west of the town, and after flowing in an easterly direction finds its 
way into the west branch of Cache slough ; and the Alamo creek, which 
rises about four miles from Vacaville, as also the Pleasants' valley creek, 
which flows in a north-easterly direction through the valley of that name, 
and discharges itself into the Rio de los Putos. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 315 

Early Settlement : — The first settlers in this portion of Solano county, as 
has been mentioned elsewhere, were the two Spaniards, Vaca or Baca, and 
PeSa, who, having received a grant fi-om the Mexican government, settled 
here in the year 1841. In accordance with the provisions of all the grants 
of land of those days, these early pioneers commenced the erection of 
houses, the tilling of land, the planting of trees, and the rearing of stock. 
Adobe residences were constructed, wherein they dwelt ; while others were 
erected in far off comers for the shelter of their herders and laborers. Fol- 
lowing the Vaca and Pena families, were Albert Lyon, John Patton and 
three others who came with them, namely, J. P. Willis, and Clay Long. 
These men entered into, the then, only occupation which offered itself, that 
of stock-raising. Two or three years later there arrived J. H., W. B., and 
Garard Long, who were shortly after followed by Marshall M. Bayse. This 
was in the year of '49. In 1850 there came Dollarhide and his three sons. 
Up to this year there had only two women arrived in the valley, they being 
the wives of Messrs. Lyon and Hollingsworth ; though where the latter 
family located we have been unable to trace. In 1848, Hollingsworth, and 
a companion named Newman, while on their way to the mines, were mur- 
dered by Indians. The bodies were shortly after found by one of the Messrs. 
Longs and a party, while on a prospecting tour, and by them decently 
buried. HoUingsworth's family remained in Vaca valley for ten or twelve 
years after his death, when they broke up and removed to various parts of 
the State. Settlers, after this era, would appear to have arrived more rap- 
idly. 

In 18.51, J. P. Long brought with him the first flock of sheep that had 
ever crossed the plains to this State. They were three thousand in number 
— he stai-ted with ten thousand head — which he drove to Vaca valley. Mr. 
Long remained in the township until 1854, when he returned to Missouri, 
and in 1859 went to Texas, where he follows farming, besides having a 
large cotton plantation. 

In 1852, Edward McGeary, John Fisk, Mason Wilson, McGuire and his 
family, J. G. Parks, W. R. Millei-, Pvichardson and S. W. Long, and W. A. 
Dunn and family, located in the township, and affairs partook of a settled 
appearance. The wondei'ful fertility of the district had been tested, and 
the rank growth of vegetation was fast falling before the arts and sciences 
of agriculture and commerce. 

Let us glance at the Vacaville township of to-day ! 

As viewed from the head of Pleasants' valley no more picturesque land- 
scape can be found throughout the length and breadth of the Golden State 
than that stretching to the southward. This glorious glen, though compara- 
tively prescribed in breadth is possessed of a soil of the richest kind of al- 
luvial sediment, formed mostly from the debns of the adjacent mountain 
sides. Within the scope of vision there is nought to be seen but one 



316 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

vast orchard and vineyard, arriving at a perfection which could only, in less 
favored spots, be attained by the tenderest care of forcing and 
training. Passing belovr the above-mentioned natural conservatory, 
the eye vranders over the wider and more extended Vaca val- 
ley. Here the orchards become less large and vast fields of 

grain present themselves " long fields of barley and of rye," 

as Tennyson hath it ; though on this occasion the latter cereal gives 
place to wheat, a prospect which brings with it rare content, content 
to the eye, as it rests on the limitless expanse of green, and content to the 
mind as the thought is flashed back of the number of hungry mouths and 
eager hands which will be fed and aided by the produce of these fields, in 
every quarter of the habitable globe. 

The first settler in Pleasants' valley was J. M. Pleasants, who located 
there in the year 1851. Mr. Pleasants has some eight hundred acres of val- 
ley and hill land, that along the banks of the creek being well adapted for 
the growing of fruit and vegetables, while back towards the hills the soil is 
admirably adapted for the cultivation of grain. The hills otter abundant 
pasturage. Mr. Pleasants has here a very fine orchard. To the south of 
his lands lie the Pleasants' valley school, while at no great distance is the 
mill lately erected by him. The motive power is oxen working on a tread- 
wheel. Five of these animals are now used, but these have been found to 
be inadequate to perform the required task ; the power, therefore, will 
shortly be augmented by the addition of others. Everything is ground in 
this mill, from barley to XXX flour. 

The residence of W. J. Pleasants is situated on the opposite bank of the 
creek to the mill in the midst of a splendid orchard and fine grounds. This 
gentleman is the possessor of one thousand and fifty acres of magnificent 
valley and hill lands. 

As a criterion of what can be done in the matter of fruit trees and grape 
vines, we would here enumerate the numbers of each that a few of the prin- 
cipal growei-s have on their lands: John Dolan, Sr., has about ten thousand 
vines and about one thousand each of peach and apricot trees ; M. R. Miller 
has one hundi-ed acres in fruit and vines alone ; L. W. Buck has one hun- 
dred and fifty-six acres on his ranch, ninety of which he has in cultivation, 
where he has twenty-seven thousand vines of choice varieties, fourteen 
thousand liaving been set out this spring (1879); twelve thousand cherry 
trees, as well as a large number of apple, peach, and apricot ; he has also one 
hundred and twenty -five orange and lemon trees in a most flourishing con- 
dition, with every prospect of a speedy maturity ; while W. W. Smith has 
as many as four thousand cherry trees in a prosperous condition. In addi- 
tion to this particular line of cultivation, as we have already mentioned, 
there are several large farms throughout the district, that of Dr. W. J. Dob- 
bins, which contains about fouileeu hundred and ninetv-five acres, being 



THE HTSTOKY OF SOLANO COUXTY. 317 

among the largest. In May of this year a visitor to the district writes : 
" The crop prospect in that section is simply immense. The grain crop could 
not look better, and, judging from the present outlook, there will be a heavy 
yield this year. The outlook for fruit is very encouraging indeed. The 
trees are fairly groaning under their burden, and we noticed limbs which 
had broken off, owing to the amount of fruit on them. We were informed 
that from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons of fruit were shipped 
daily from Vacaville during some months of the year. This will give a 
person some idea of the amount of fruit gi-own in that section." 

Vacaville. — On August 21, IHiiO, Manuel Cabeza Vaca deeded to Wil- 
liam McDaniel nine square miles of land, the consideration for which was 
that McDaniel should lay out a town site on one of the square miles, name 
it Vacaville, and deed M. C. Vaca certain lots in said town, as well as pay 
the sum of three thousand dollars. Here follows the document : " Deed of 
Manuel Cabeza Vaca to William McDaniel. August 21, 1850. Considei'a- 
tion S3,000. Doth grant, Vjargain, sell and convey unto second party, all 
his right, title and interest in and to a certain tract of land in the County 
of Solano, and known and described as follows : The point at which the 
boundary of this tract of land was found is one mile and a half a mile due 
north of the point where the county road crosses the water beach or arroya 
deoagiui about one mile and a half east of said Manuel Cabeza Vaca's 
Rancho, thence due west to the base of the mountains in a southerly direc- 
tion three English miles, thence due east three English niile.s, thence due 
north three English miles, thence west to the place of beginning. So as to 
include three English miles square or nine square miles of land, and it is 
hereby agreed that the said McDaniel is to lay off on any one mile square of 
.said land a to\\Ti to be called Vacaville, and 1,0.").5 of the lots in said town 
are to be deeded to him, the said M. C. Vaca, said lots to be average lots. 

his 

Signed, Manuel x Cabeza Vaca. [seal] 

mark 

Witness : L. B. MiZNER. 

Acknowledged August 21, 18.50, before B. D. Hyam, N. P. 
Recorded August 22, 18.")(). 

William McDaniel, on August, 1850, deeded to L. B. Mizner, an undi- 
vided half interest in this tract of land. They laid out a town site about 
the centre of the township and in accordance with the deed of M. C. Vaca 
named the place Vacaville, deeded to him two hundred lots on October 16, 
1850. The town was surveyed by E. H. Rowe and a plat thereof duly 
recorded on December 13, 1851. So much for the birth of the in\w\ of 
Vacaville. The first building was erected in 1850 by William McDaniel ; 
the second one put up was a rude edifice used as a hotel by James McGuire. 



318 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNXY. 

• 

The first store was opened by E. F. Gillespie on block No. 16, it being a 
small tool-house owned by Mason Wilson. The following year he removed 
to a building he had erected on block No. 20, having pre\aously purchased 
the entire block. The stone building is still standing and is the property 
of M. Blum. The first death which occui-red in the township was in the 
year 1852, it being that of a stock-raiser named McGuire, who also kept a 
house of entertainment in the village. The situation of the town is very 
beautiful, surrounded as it is by such extensive farms ; it is a most ex- 
cellent point for trade, the places of traflic of all kinds doing a thriving 
business. About two years ago Vacaville was laid low by a fire which to- 
day leaves no traces. The business houses are located on either side of 
Main street, west of the Ulattis creek and embody all the variety of stores 
required for the center of a largely populated district. 

Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railroad Co: — Chief among the interests of 
the town, and which adds considerably to its prosperity is the railroad 
which now extends fiom Elmira to Madison in Yolo county passing through 
Vacaville and Winters. In the summer season this line does a prosperous 
business in freight and passengers. At present its managers are busily en- 
gaged in supplying the C. P. R. R. with gravel for ballasting their track. 
The road was incorporated and built in the year 18G9 from Elmira to Vaca- 
ville to accommodate the shipping of fruit and vegetables. In 1876 it was 
extended to Winters, Yolo county. In 1877 it was incorporated as the 
Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railroad Co., and extended to Madison, Yolo 
coimt}^ making the entire distance now laid about thirty miles. The officers 
are : President, A. M. Stevenson ; Treasurer, T. Mansfield ; Seci'etary, E. 
Allison ; General Superintendent, G. B. Stevenson ; General Freight Agent, 
T. Mansfield. 

CnaRCHES. Baptist Church: — The Baptist Church of Vacaville was 
organized in the chapel of the California College with seventeen constituent 
members. Mr. P. C. Dozier was elected church clerk ; Professor M. Bailj' 
being requested to fill the pulpit when no other preacher wa.s provided by 
the church. Ministers from abroad filled the duties until Februarj-, 1873, 
when Rev. J. B. Saxton was appointed pastor and W. J. Sandefiu-, church 
clerk. Mr. Saxton resigned his charge in August, 1877, as did also Mr. 
Sandefur, since when the following gentlemen have officiated as church 
clerk : Prof. Kelly, J. T. W^allaee, C. C. Bateman, M. Young and J. Donald- 
son. On October 13, 1877, the Rev. S. A. Taft, D. D. was elected to the 
pastorate and served for several months. In January, 1879, the Rev. W. 
Gregory, D. D. was called to the pulpit and is the present incumbent. The 
following have been the Deacons since the organization of the church : 
Professor M. Baily, elected Februarj- 8, 1873, Messrs. Brier and Walker, 
elected February 9, 1878, and J. Donaldson on March 16, 1879. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 319 

The Church of Seventh-day Advents : — In December, 1877, there came to 
Vacaville B. A. Stevens, who commenced a series of lectures which resulted 
in the organizing of a church community under the above doctrine, consist- 
ing of between fifty and sixty members. This congregation has been ever 
since kept up by the indulgence of the members. There is no resident pas- 
tor, but occasionally the pulpit is supplied from San Francisco or elsewhere. 

The Christian Church : — This church was organized in 1855 about two 
and a half miles from Vacaville with eleven members, but shortly after 
they moved into the town. Before this, 1874, their membership numbered 
two hundred. The first pastor was the Rev. Mr. McCorkle who remained 
with his congregation for two years when he was followed by various 
preachers, the last being Alexander Johnson. The value of the church 
property is $1,500. 

Davis Hotel : — This house is situated on tlie northeast corner of block 
No. 14 and fronts Main street. It was built by Mason Wilson in 1858 and 
finished in October of that year. The main building is 30x(J5 feet, two 
stories, of brick ; there is an L 18x45 feet, two stories high with a kitchen 
extending east which is 12x16 feet, all of brick, while the establishment 
contains thirty rooms as well as a large double parlor. The building cost 
$14,000 includng fixtures. On April 20, 1874, it was purchased by E. S. 
Davis, when his brother, J. F. Davis, took charge of it and has been the 
proprietor ever since. To the west and rear of the hotel is a garden with 
neatly laid out walks, ornamented with flowers and beautified by shade 
trees, while to the east of the property, and having the same owner, is a 
grove of Eucalyptus trees fronting Depot street, forming a favorite resort 
for picnics and such like. 

California CoUeje : — This institution was started l)y Professor Anderson, 
of San Francisco, in the year 1855, as a private school, the building being 
one of the earliest erected away from the city of Benicia and the ri.sing 
town of Vallejo. This school Professor Anderson maintained until the year 
1858 ; it was a frame building, but his undertaking having been crowned 
with a certain amount of success he, in the meantime, erected a building of 
brick 50x80 feet as a College, while attached to the principal erection, at a 
distance of about 75 feet, a temporary .structure was built two stories in 
height. There was also constructed a boarding-house of brick for the 
female department, and other houses in the grounds, for the males. The 
building, as originally erected by Mr. Anderson, was situated on the south 
side of Ulattis creek, on block No. 8. 

In the year 1801, or, possibly later, the Rev. J. C. Stewart, by dint of ex- 
treme labor, i-eceived an endowment from the people of Solano, and the ad- 



320 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

jacent counties, to the amount of $20,000, which, with the interest on this 
sum, was the Pacific Methodist College started by the Pacific Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South. Its first President was the Rev. J. C. Stewart, 
who would appear only to have served a year. The next President was 
the Rev. W. T. Lucky, D.D., an office he maintained until the spring of 
1865. During his regime, though, it was then reported for political reasons, 
the college was burned. This did not, however, interfere with the pros- 
perity of the school, for on the destruction by fii-e of the principal edifice, a 
temporary use was made of a tent until after the exhibitions. The fol- 
lowing term was commenced in a boarding-house arranged for the purpose, 
whre they continued until the completion of the present building, which is 
of brick. Considerable delay was caused, however, in the attempt to con- 
struct the edifice of concrete ; this was a failure, from the consequences of a 
storm which washed all the necessary amalgamations away. The loss to 
the M. E. C. S., was considered to be between five and six thousand dollars. 
Almost immediately thereafter, a brick building of 60x90 feet was in the 
the course of construction on an elevation of land overlooking the town 
that had been originally owned by Mason Wilson, who had exchanged it 
for other property to the M. E. C, S., and which was completed in the year 
1866 at a cost of S25,000. Shortly after the erection of the new college. 
Dr. Lucky resigned the presidency and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr! 
Gober, who held the position for one term and was in turn succeeded by 
Rev. J. R. Thomas, D.D., LL.D., who held it until 1871, when the College 
was removed to Santa Rosa, in Sonoma county. 

The College then would appear to have changed bauds, as will be gleaned 
from the following excei-pt from the report of C. L. Fisher, Chairman of 
the Committee on Education, at the fourteenth anniversary of the Pacific 
Baptist Association held at Petaluma, Sonoma county, in October, 1871 : 

" On the first day of December, a. d. 1870, we came into the possession of 
the well known college property of the Southern Methodist denomination 
at Vacaville, Solano county, California, valued at S2o,00(). By the payment 
of $4,000 on the 3d day of November, A. D. 1870, this property was formally 
accepted by our denomination through an Educational Convention duly 
called for that purpose ; who also at that time elected a Board of Ti-ustees, 
to whom was intrusted its future management and control, and who 
adopted a Constitution and By-Laws for their guidance. Being thus at 
once put in possession of a property valuation sufficient to enable us to 
secure a college charter under the laws of our State, on the day of 

the present month such charter was duly received under the name of 
" California College." 

" On the 4th day of January, 1871, by the election of the aforesaid 
Trustees, Professor Mark Bailey, of Petaluma, assumed the Presidency of 
the College and opened its first session with fourteen scholars. Since that 



^^''^^^^^v 





THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 321 

time its cause has been onward ; its influence widening ; and under God's 
blessing, witli the fostering sympathy and encouragement which is due from 
us as a denomination, its success assured." 

A settlement made by Rev. J. E. Barnes, and appended to the report 
quoted above, shows the amount received up to May 16, 1871, to be 
$2,971 38. Of this amount there was paid to teachers, agent and incidental 
expenses, $1,193 15, leaving a balance of $1,778 23 to be paid on notes 
given for the purchase of the college. 

As is seen. Professor Mark Bailey, who was the first President, held his 
ortice until the spring of 1873, when Dr. A. S. Morrell, of Kentucky, was 
elected. In November, 1875, he was superseded by the election of T. W. 
G. Green, who held office until May, 1877, when Dr. S. A. Taft, of Santa 
Rosa, was chosen President until 1878, wlu'U the present Principal, Dr. U. 
Gregory, was elected. 

Entloumient : — In April, 1873, at a convention held at Vacaville, there 
was subscribed the sum of $3,700, a large portion of which was given by 
the residents of the town for the purposes of endowment, which, in the 
same summer. J. B. Saxton, on the same jilan, increased by $0,000, when 
the financial work was handed to Dr. Morrell, who swelled the amount by 
$4,000. 

The Institution has in money and remunerative land $20,000, as an en- 
dowment. A valuable farm of 255 acres, within two miles of the college, 
has been given by Deacon Lankershim, of the Metropolitan Church, San 
Francisco. The Trustees have authorized the President to raise a fimd of 
$3,000, the semi-annual interest of which is to be applied in the purchase 
of books for the College Library, which now contains about 2,500 volumes. 
The Degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Ai-ts are conferred. 



21 



322 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



GREEN VALLEY. 



Oeography:- — On June 27, 18G6, the boundaries of Green Valley town- 
ship were finally ordered to be as under : Commencing at a rock mound 
on the crest of hills in section 34, township 4, N. R. 3 W., established by R 
Non'is for a boundary between Napa and Solano counties ; thence northerly 
along the boundary line of said counties, to the north line of to^v^lship 5, N. 
R. 3 W.; thence east along said township line to the dividing ridge running 
to the peak called "Twdn Sistei-s;" thence southei-ly along said divide to 
Suisun creek, passing on the line of A. Blake and William Brown's land ; 
thence down said creek to the south-east corner of Hii-am Macy's land ; 
thence south to the north line of section 16, towTiship 4, N. R. 2 W.; thence 
west to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough to the north line of sec- 
tions 31 and 32, township 4, N. R. 2 W.; thence west along said north line 
to the boundary line of Solano and Napa counties. 

Topocjrapky : — This picturesque valley lies to the eastward of the Suscol 
hills, four miles east of Suscol vallej', is six miles in length, one and a half 
in breadth and derives its name from a large portion of it being green the 
year round ; it is watered by the Green Valley creek which rises in the 
south-west corner of to^vnship 5, N. R. 2 W., and runs in a .south-easterly 
com-se for about eight miles and finally empties itself into Cordelia slough 
at Bridgeport. 

Green Valley : — This is without doubt the acme of perfection as regards 
scenerj-, no finer could scarcely exist anywhei'e. Starting fi'om Bridgeport 
and taking a northerly direction, following the creek as it meets us ^vith 
many a babble and rush, we enter the narrow gorge which brings us into 
Green Valley proper. To the left are the bold and well defined mountains 
which separate Solano from Napa county ; to the right are those which 
mark the boundary of Suisun vaUej', while in front is a prospect of ravish- 
ing beauty of hill and glade, intei-spei-sed with wooded knolls and shady 
ra\-ines, which almost dety description. On either side are well laid out 
gi'ounds haA-ing residences placed in the midst of gardens gladdening the 
eye with ever}- color of flower and foliage, while on the hill sides appear 
acre upon acre of grape vines, ananged with the i-egularity and perfection 
of extreme nicety. After passing through what may be termed the throat 
of the vale, the scene extends into a wide ampliitheatre of unttild glory ; at 
the upper end are the famous Green Valley falls developing a prospect 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 323 

which repays any amount of fatigue and toil. From cither hand the speak- 
ing rills pour their murmuring waters into the parent stream, after purling 
down the mountain sides in many a beauteous rapid and cascade ; shady 
pools give promise of rare sport to the followers of the gentle art, high 
rocks suggest the lair of snakes and other creeping things ; wild flowers n 
inaccessible spots add quietude to the scene, while the swooping hawk high 
over head acts as a terror to the merry songsters as they fiit in frightened 
excitement from branch to twig and back to bi-anch again. Our feeble pen 
can give no semblance of an idea as to the beauty of this scene; appreciation 
can only be attained by seeing it for oneself. 

Grape Oroiuing hiterest : — This ent('rpris(; was commenced by John Voly- 
pka, an Austrian, who located a farm at the foot, or near the foot of the 
" Twin Sisters " mountain in the spring of 18.58, planting a vineyard at that 
date and commencing the manufacture of wine in 18C3. In the fall of 1800 
Henry Shultz planted out a vineyard, being joined by his brother in the 
fall of the year, the firm now being ('. Shultz & Co. They have on their 
grounds a wine cellar 38x100 feet in dimensions in which are about twenty- 
five casks with a capacity of from five to thirteen hundred gallons each. 
In the cellar there are also ranged pipfes and barrels, making the entire 
capacity in the vicinity of about ten thousand gallons. S. F. Jones, the 
largest manufacturer, settled in Green Valley in the year ISGO, where he 
has erected a very complete cellar cajDable of containing fifty thousand 
gallons, and having all the necessary appliances appertaining to an estab- 
lishment of this nature. From Mr. Jones we learn many most interesting 
facts connected with the making of wine. He has ninety acres laid out in 
vines from which he distills about six thousand gallons per acre when 
crops are good. Henry Brown also commenced the business in 18G3. The 
foregoing are among the more important names interested in the develop- 
ment of this special trade ; there are, however, many others, but want of 
space precludes our mentioning all, save those of the principal manufacturers. 

Cordelia : — Next to Benicia this is the town of longest life in the county. 
Originally it was situated in Green Valley, about one-half mile north of the 
present town of Bridgeport, on the old stage road between Sacramento and 
Benicia. As far Ijack as the year 1853 there was a post office established 
here, but it was afterwards removed to Rockville and thereafter to Bi'idge- 
port. The place, which now only exists in name, has been the scene of 
many of the meetings of the early county conventions, but the require- 
ments of the times, plus the railroad, have absorbed it. 

Bridgeport : — The successor to the glories of the above described town 
is a station on the California Pacific Railroad situated about fifteen miles 



324 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

from Vallejo. It is located upon the banks of a navigable slough which 
falls into Suisun bay, and is situated at the entrance to Green Valley. It 
has one Episcopal church, a school, railroad depot, hotel, box factory, etc., 
and posseses a population of about three hundred souls. 

RocKViLLE : — This hamlet lies on the old stage road about five miles 
west of Fail-field. A stone church, a school house and a solitary village 
blacksmith's establishment make up the present city. It formerly had a 
post ofiice, hotel and store, but now, Ichabod, the glory is departed ! Rock- 
ville is a veritable " deserted village." It has a slight history, however, if 
little else, for here was the head-quarters of the Suisun Indians, and indeed 
in this locality was the first cultivation of gi-ain carried on. Here too was 
the anvil's music first heard from the forge of John M. Perry, who was 
wont to produce in those good old days, a rude ground teai-er or plough at 
the moderately low figure of $65. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 325 



ELMIRA 



Geography. — On May 22, 1871, it was ordered by the Board of Supervi- 
sors that a new township should be formed out of portions of Vacaville, 
Silveyville, and Maine Prairie townships, the boundaries being: "Beginning 
at the south-west corner of the south-east quarter of section No. 3, town- 
ship 5 N., R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian and base ; running thence north 
seven miles to the quarter-section corner on the north line of section 3, 
township 6 N., R. 1 W.; thence along said township line six miles ; thence 
along quarter-section lines south seven miles." 

Topognqj/iy : — The topography of Elmira township is not hard to desig- 
nate. It is that portion of the plain of Suisun valley described in the 
foregoing boundaries. Comparatively speaking, not an inch of it is there 
but what will fructify and produce ; still, from its position and the want of 
any perennial streams, it is a matter of difficulty, in the seasons of drought, 
which, happily, though rare, will occur in California, to find water save by 
the digging of wells, and this has been done to some purpose. 

Settlement : — The settlement of Elmira township is coeval with that of 
the Suisun valley. In the days when it was settled, and for many years 
later, Elmira was still a portion of other townships. As the increase of 
population made itself felt, the necessity to make a new partition arose, and 
thus, those who erst belonged to the adjacent townships, suddenly found 
themselves included in entirely new boundaries. 

Elmira. — The thriving little town on the line of the California Pacific 
Railroad, formerly called Vaca Station, was renamed after the city of 
Elmii-a, in the State of New York. It is the junction of the above named 
railroad, which passes in a direct line through Solano county ; and the Vaca 
Vallej^ and Clear Lake Railroad, which, up to the present time, has thirty 
miles of track laid to Madison, in Yolo county, with stations, of much com- 
fort and easy of access, at Vacaville, and Winters, on the Yolo county side 
of Putah creek, on the route to its terminus. Elmira is located on the 
south-west quarter of section 19, township 6 N., R. 1 W. The plat of the 
city was filed for record October 20, 1868. The site comprises about forty 
acres of ground, and was originally the property of Stephen Hoyt, who laid 
out the town in 1868. 

The settlement of the county may be said to have commenced with the 



326 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

location of Stephen Hoyt, Charles Pearson, and Jediah Williams in 1853. 
In 1854 Hazen Hoyt and Allen Van Fleet settled near the present town site, 
while, at much about the same time, Wellington and James Boone became 
settlers on what is usually known as the Hawker's place. The first crops 
of barley were raised by Stephen Hoyt and A. Van Fleet. Sacramento, at 
the time, was the principal market for the products of the township. 
Elmira is distant ten miles, in a north-easterly direction, from the county 
seat of Fail-field. The population is about 500. 

The churches, and schools as well, are creditably represented ; while its 
commercial relations are fairly prosperous, there being two stores, doinw a 
general merchandise business, two hotels, two warehouses, a lumber yard, 
livery stable, and three 'blacksmiths' shops, as well as extensive premises, 
the property of both railroad companies. 

In connection with the pi-osperity of Elmira, we should not omit to 
mention the name of John H. Barrett, the present County Assessor. His 
residence is in the town. He was the first Justice of the Peace elected for 
the township ; has the welfare of the embryo city in his thoughts ; while a 
community may well feel grateful at having so energetic a member in its 
midst. 

/. 0. 0. F., Elviira : — This Lodge was organized January 15, 1873, the 
first ofKcers being : John H. Barrett, N. G.; M. D. Cooper, V. G.; L. David- 
son, Recording Secretary ; J. A. Collier, Treasurer. 

A. 0. U. W.: — This is a new order in the coimtry, and had been only 
instituted but a short time when we made our appearance. 



I 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 329 



VALLEJO 



ALVORD, LUKE, was born in Syracuse, Stato of Now York, on Septem- 
ber 16, 1812, and remained in that city and neighborhood working at his 
trade and farming until February, 1850, when he sailed in the " Tennes- 
see " for California, arriving in San Francisco in April, having been 
detained in Panama three weeks awaiting her arrival. At once went to 
Tuolumne county, at Wood's creek, four miles above Jacksonville, and 
remained there engaged in mining until July 12, 1851, when lie left to 
return home. In February, 1853, he again left Syracuse for California, 
on this occasion accompanied by his family. On his arrival he went 
back to the mines, moving from place to place, principally in Saci'amento 
and Amador counties, having lived for twelve yeai's in Volcano. In 18G7, 
he came to Sacramento city and in the following year took up his resi- 
dence in Vallejo, where he has remained ever since. Is a carpenter by 
trade, and was foreman on the grain elevator when it was built. Mr. 
Alvord married at Syracuse on November 12, 1834, Miss Henrietta S. 
Childs, of Saratoga, New York, by whom he has: Cass, born September 
13, 183G; Marion, born May ',), 1840, ilied 1844; and Helen Burnett, born 
August 30, 1845, married at Volcano, 18G7, Professor W. H. Tripp, of 
Vallejo. 

ANDERSON, M. D., WALTER DUNCAN, was born in Tatamagonche, 
Colchester county. Nova Scotia, April 17, 1840. At fourteen years of ago 
he moved to Canada, where he resided for seven years, at the expiry of 
which he returned to Nova Scotia ; thence to Boston, Massachusetts, where 
he studied medicine and graduated at the Harvard Medical School on 
March 9, 1864. Dr. Anderson practiced for three months in the Magda- 
len Islands, two years in Wallace, Nova Scotia, and on December 23, 1806, 
came to Vallejo, where he still resides. Married Mary Jane, daughter of 
Thomas Wallace, machinist, on 5th February, 1879. 

ASPENALL, WILLIAM, arrived from Panama, in the ship " Harriet Rock- 
well," in June, 1850. On landing in San Francisco, he fountl letters in- 
forming him of the whereabouts of former friends and companions in 
arms, of the Mexican campaign, among them being Col. James M. Stuart, 
Postmaster of the present House of Representatives, Major Cooper and 



330 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

N. K. Swope, ex-Captain of Mexican fame. Mr. Aspenall soon after 
started for the southern mines, and airived in Jamestown, Tuolumne 
county, in July, 1850, and there engaged in mining, with some success, 
for two years. In 1852, the Scott-river excitement broke out and he, 
with five others, determined to organize themselves into a party and pro- 
ceed thither. At that time, provisions were exhorbitantly high. They 
purchased a pack train of mules, in Sacramento, consisting of fifteen head 
besides saddle animals, loaded them with flour, sugar and tobacco, and 
made a successful voyage to Trinity valley. WTien here, the Indians 
stampeded the animals belonging to the expedition, when everything was 
lost save two mats containing two hundred pounds of China sugar. The 
entire party got snowed in when crossing the Trinity mountains, being 
twenty-one days in working their way to the summit, which is known as 
the Devil's Backbone. They endured many hard.ships on this occasion ; 
food was scarce ; they, therefore, contented themselves with mule's flesh 
and sugar ; yet, ultimately, arrived at Scott's river bar in time to take a 
hand in the Rogue-river war, which was then being carried on against 
the Indians ; the hostilities were soon terminated on the capture of fifty 
squaws by Governor Joe Lane. We next find Mr. Aspenall in Oregon, on 
the banks of the Willamette river, where he had built himself a log 
' cabin, but, getting weary of the solitude of the Oregonian forests, in 1852, 
he once more returned to California and, for a second time, proceeded to 
Jamestown, Toulumne county, where he was appointed Deputy, under 
his friend. Sheriff Swope. In March, 1853, he was joined by his family 
from New Orleans, who had sustained shipwi-eck on their journey. In 
1854, Mr. A., with others, took a prominent part in the contest which re- 
sulted in the location of the county seat of Tuolumne county, at Sonora, 
whereupon, he, with Charles M. Scott, ex-Member of Congress, James M. 
Stuart, already mentioned, and Captain Arnix, left Jamestown, the two 
first going to the county seat at Sonora, while the latter came to Vallejo, 
where they purchased some property, Ai-nix, after a while, giving up all 
his possessions, on account of faulty titles. Mr. Asj^enall now erected a 
store in Vallejo, which was ojiened on June 1, 1855. It wa.s his original 
intention to make this a one-storied building, but, finding a few Brother 
Masons in the city, he added another story to it and helped to start a 
Masonic Lodge in September, 1855, and the Odd Fellows' Lodge in the 
same building in October of that year. Was elected a Justice of the 
Peace, in 1856, for Vallejo Township, and, on the incorporation of the 
city of Vallejo by the Legislature, in 1865, Mr-. Asjaenall was on the first 
Board of Trustees. In 1874, he once more was elected to the Board of 
Trustees and Ijecame their President for two years, and, in 1877, was 
again elected a Jastice of the Peace for Vallejo township, a position 
which he still holds. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



331 



AYLWARD, THOMAS, was born in Quebec, Lower Canada, where he re- 
mained till October G, 1837, when he left for New York, arriving there 
in the same month, where he bound himself apprentice sailmaker with 
Stout & Blackledge, 144 South street. In 1846 he went to Virginia, 
being employed in the Gosport Navy Yard as .sailmaker for five month.s 
and twenty-seven days, where he assisted in fitting out the men-of-war 
"Mississippi," "St. Lawrence" and "St. Mary's." Returned to New York 
in May, 1847, when he was dispatched in charge of some men to New 
London, Connecticut, where he worked for three months. He then was 
removed to Sag Harbor, remaining there three months, and was again 
changed to Greenport, Long Island, when, at the end of six weeks, he 
went back to New York, and shortly afterward returned to Greenport, 
where he stayed till November 5, 1848. It was Mr. Aylward's intention 
to have left Greenport on Novemlter 3d, but owing to a terrific snow- 
storm which prevailed he delayed his departure, and well for him that he 
did so, for the train which he should have traveled by was run into and 
more than twenty lives lost, and a large number wounded, those who 
escaped having done so by jumping into the snow. He remained in New 
York till March 12, 1849, when he sailed in the ship "Salem," owned by 
a stock company, who were on board, the captain, George Douglas, being 
part owner. Spending eighteen days in Rio de Janeiro and fifteen at 
Talcahuana, they arrived at San Francisco October 12, the voyage having 
occupied precisely seven months. The day after Mr. Aylward arrived he 
set to work at his trade, making as high as one hundred dollars a day, 
but this he was forced to relinquish on account of a neuralgic affection, 
which the fogs of San Francisco enhanced. He therefore got his party 
together, chartered a schooner and sailed for Stockton, en route for the 
mines. From Stockton they went to the Chinese Camp in Tuolumne 
County, where he remained a fortnight, and then removed to Murphy's 
Camp, prospecting; and, returning to Chinese Camp, took his whole party 
back to Murphy's, in Calaveras County, in March, 1850, and there re- 
mained until November 21, 1853, when he left for San Francisco. It was 
now Mr. Aylward's intention to go to the Amazon, but he did not. Sev- 
eral of his party started thither, however, but nearly all of them perished 
from cholera, in Callao. One month after returning to San Francisco he 
went into business as a sailmaker, on the corner of Clay and Davis streets, 
which he carried on till May, 1856. He then sold out, and recommenced 
mining operations in Oroville, Butte County, remaining there six days, 
when he moved to Forbestown. In October he left this district for San 
Francisco, and commenced working as a journeyman sailmaker, and as 
such continued till 1858, having occasional jobs in the Mare Island Navy 
Yard. In the Spring of that year he restarted on his own account, at the 
corner of Clark and Davis streets, remaining in business there till May, 



332 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

1860, when he left his partner in charge and once more went himself to 
the mines, his destination being Washoe, now known as the district 
around Carson and Virginia cities. Remained there till October 20, and 
again returned to San Francisco, remaining at his business till the Spring 
of ISGl, when he was called to the Navy Yard at Mare Island as a jour- 
neyman sailmaker, was put in charge of the sailmakers' department in 
1865, and remained in charge till the 23d of February, 1872, when he was 
superseded, along with foui-teen others. In 1876 Mr. Aylward visited the 
Centennial Exhibition — his first trip to the Eastern States since he first 
left them in 1849. He sojourned there three months, during which he 
visited Missouri, Kentucky, New York, Philatlelphia, Boston, Portland, 
Quebec, Montreal and elsewhere, and started for California on the 13th 
of July, 1876. Is a member of the Society of California Pioneers, of 
which association he is one of the charter members, he being also a 
member of the Vallejo Lodge, No. 64, I. 0. G. T. Mr. Aylward has made 
nearly all the sails for the several vessels which have been built in Vallejo. 

BERGWELL, GUSTAF, (deceased), born in Sweden in 1810, and came to 
America in or aljout tlie year 1840, and to California via Panama, arriving 
at Monterey July 4, 1841). In that year he commenced the dry-goods 
business in San Francisco, which he continued up to the fire of 18.51, 
wlien he moved to Sonoma, where he remained till 18-5.5, and moved to 
Vallejo in the following year, where he died on July 10, 1871; since 
which time his mercantile aflairs have been carried on by his widow. 
Mr. Bergwell was a member of the Vallejo Pioneer Association, being 
vice-president of the society for some time. He was also a member of 
the Scandinavian Society of San Francisco. Married in Grace Church, 
that city, April 20, 18.52, Miss Laura Kamp, a native of Denmark, by 
whom there are two children — Jennie, born in Sonoma, February 4, 1853, 
married William York, April 17, 1873; and Gustaf A., born in Vallejo, 
July 14, 18G1. 

BINGHAM, GEORGE, was Ijorn in Philadelphia, May 1, 1820. At the age 
of seventeen he went to learn the trade of bookbinding, with the firm 
of R. P. de Silver & Co.; and the next year he shipped on board the 
sloop-of-war "Dale" as first-class boy, and sailed to join the Pacific squad- 
ron, of which Commodore Jones was in command. Was present at the 
hoLsting of the American flag at Monterey in August, 1841, when the 
coast was taken by the United States Government, eight days after re- 
turning it to the Mexicans. Remained on the coast about two months, 
then sailed to Callao, where he was transferred to the " Yorktown," and 
proceeded to New York, where he arrived in July, 1843. Fi'om 1843 till 
1846 he remained in the Eastern States, and in the latter year he volun- 



THE HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY. 333 

teered for the war in Mexico. In December of that year left Philadelphia 
to join the expedition ; was present at the capture of Vera Cruz, Cerro- 
Gordo takina of Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec 
and the storming of the city of Mexico; was with the forces two years 
when on the proclaiming of peace, he returned home, where he remained 
until 1849 when, on May 5, ho sailed for California, and arrived m San 
Francisco September 15, 1849. On arrival, joined the police force on its 
first oruanization, under Malachi Fallon, John W. Geary being Alcalde. 
Resigned in the spring of 1850, and went to the mines at Long bar, 
Yuba river, immediately prioi to the discovery of gold in that part; re- 
mainino- there one month he started for Slake creek, staying there until 
the Gold Lake excitement, when he proceeded thither. From there he 
went to Grass valley, now American, and followed up the different ranges 
of mountains between the Pitt and Feather rivers to the head-waters 
of the latter at Goose lake, but found nothing. Returned to Nelson 
creek, where he struck good claims; stayed there a few days, then went 
to the east branch of Feather river and arrived at Rich-bar, where he re- 
mained two weeks, after which, he returned to San Francisco. Remained 
in that city five months, establishing himself in a saloon, but was burnt 
out in the tire of November, 1850. After this catastrophe lie once 
more returned to Feather river, but, not being successful, he proceeded 
to Yreka, where good diggings were found in Humbug creek. In 1851 
Mr Binoham again arrived in San Francisco, paid a visit to the Sandwich 
Islands r returning shortly after, he proceeded to the southern mines, in 
Sonora, from whence he went back to Yreka, and remained there six 
months at which time the Gold-beach fever started every one in that di- 
rection,'he amongst the others. In June, 1853, he found his way to Scott's 
bar and, after two months, again removed to San Francisco, staying there 
for some time, when he once more departed for Sonora, and lived there 
seven years, at the end of which he returned to San Francisco, and at the 
outbreak of the rebellion, enlisted in the Second Cavalry; (Sacramento 
Rangers) in Company F, in which he remained for nine months, serving in 
the Provost's Guard at San Francisco, receiving his discharge there in 
1862, when he came to Vallejo. From 18(35 he worked for six years in 
the completing of the capitol at Sacramento, and returned to San Fran- 
cisco, where he sojourned for one year, then locating in Vallejo in 1873. 
In 1876 visited the Centennial Exhibition, and finally came back to Val- 
lejo, where he has since resided. Is a member of the Vallejo Pioneers' 
Association. Mr. Bingham's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war, 
under George Washington, and his father took part in the war of 1812. 
He married in the Sandwich Islands in 1850, and has one daughter, 
Madeline, who was born in Honolulu in 1851. 



334 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

BROOKS, WILLIAM S., was born in Franklin County, New York, in 1820. 
When quite young he removed with his parents to New Orleans, and at 
twelve years of age returned to Brooklyn, New York. In 1832 shipped 
on board the "Henry Clay," then the largest vessel sailing out of the port 
of New York, and made a voyage to Liverpool, England, following a sea- 
faring life up to 184G, when he shipped in the United States sloop-of- 
war "Prebble," as convoy to Stevenson's regiment, which was then on 
its way to California, and arrived in San Francisco in March, 1847. The 
vessel lay two months in that harbor, during which time a party of eight- 
een men, under command of Lieutenant Lanman, aftei'wards Commodore, 
was despatched up the Carquinez straits in search of a boat reported 
missing, which was conveying $80,000, or thereabouts, jjay for the troops 
at Sutter's fort. (The boat has never since been heard of.) On the cruise, 
landed at what is now called Mare Island, where he remained about two 
weeks. On making the island, they saw two wigwams standing where 
the magazine and flagstaff now are, while on the Vallejo side, there was 
one at the foot of Main street, of to-day. Since then he has, on more 
than one occasion, dug up the bones of Indians who had Ijeen buried on 
the spot where Woods Hotel is built, on that street. On another occasion, 
a paity landed where Starr's flour-mills are now, in South Vallejo, to 
shoot beef, but after killing One animal, the cattle gave chase, when they 
were driven back to the boat. Up till 1850 was in government employ, 
on board of men-of-war, during which time he visited China, Japan, 
and the Sandwich islands ; then shipped on board the Revenue brig 
"Lawrence," and was wrecked in her outside the heads at the Golden 
Gate in 18.52. Afterwards was emjjloyed in the Apj)raiser's store of the 
Custom House in San Francisco, where he remained seven years and four 
months, then came to the Navy Yard in Vallejo, in 1858, where he has 
ver since been enq^loyed. Has been Acting Gunner of the U. S. S. "In- 
dependence," guard ship at the Yard, and is now Machine Tender to the 
sectional docks there. 

Mr. Brooks married, firstly, at San Francisco, B. M. Maguire, in 1856, 
(died 1858) by whom he has one son, Willian^ Charles, born 185(j. Sec- 
ondly, Catherine Irena Coen, married 1860, by whom he has : George T., 
bom October 30, 1862; Mary Emma, born April 8, 1865 ; James C, born 
June 26, 1868 ; John, born March 26, 1870 ; Gertrude B., born January 
26, 1873, Loretta Anna, boi'u January 28, 1876 ; and Angeles Agnes, born 
February 18, 1878. 

BROWN, CALVIN, Civil Engineer in charge of Department of Yards and 
Docks, Marelsland, a gentleman of rare attainments, was educated at Rox- 
bury Grammar School, Mass., where he graduated in 1828. In 1834, he 
connuenced the stuily of civil engineering in Boston, serving under several 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



335 



of the leading engineers of the time, when, in 1841, he was appointed to the 
post of Civil Engineer to the United States Navy Yard at Kittery, Maine, 
where he remained five years, during which time he carried on the con- 
struction of the Quay wall at that place, where was first introduced into 
the United States the practice of blasting rocks in deep water. Thereaf- 
ter he was engaged in sundry works, principally railroads, until 1852, 
when he was appointed Civil Engineer at the Navy Yard, Norfolk, Vir- 
ginia. During his term of ofiice of nine years at this post he superin- 
tended the erection of a large number of the buildings there, and carried 
on the construction of the Quay wall. In 1861 Mr. Brown was ordered 
from Norfolk to Mare Island, wher^ he has been ever since, with the ex- 
ception of from 1S64 to 1869, when he constructed the large dam and 
reservoir at Pilercitos valley for the Spring Valley Water Works, and ex- 
ecuted the surveys, designs and location of the canal and locks at the 
Willamette Falls, Oregon. For a portion of the time he was connected 
with the Board of Commissioners on the Central Pacific Railroad, and was 
subsequently appointed one of the Government Commissioners both on 
that and the Southern Pacific line of railroads. 

On May 13, 1869, he was reappointed Civil Engineer to the Mare Is- 
• land Navy Yard, and continues to hold the ofiice. Duiing his connection 
with the yard Mr. Brown has made most of the additions on that admira- 
bly fitted-out i;stablishment. He has constructed a large portion of the 
foundry and machine shops, built the saw mill, the ordnance and the office 
building, one of the large timber sheds, the iron-plating shop ; superin- 
tended the construction of the Marine Barracks, and was one of the su- 
perintendentents, with Dr. J. M. Brown, U. S. N., of the Naval Hospital. 
Designed and built the stone Dry Dock, one of the largest in the world, 
as far as it has now progressed ; superintended the construction of the 
new powder magazine, and also that of the reservoir, known as Lake 
Rogers. Not the least of the many distinctions to which Mr. Brown may 
lay'' claim is that, from under his training, several of the most dis- 
tinguished engineers of the day have developed and are now a credit to 
thetr country as well as to the scientific preceptor, who labored with them 
during their tutelage. His family are among the oldest in the country, 
having come to America in the year 1G32. The su1)iect of this sketch 
was born at Roxbury, Mass., now known as Boston Highlands, on March 
25, 1816, and married, in 1838, Miss Susan W. Sager, of that place, by 
whom he has now living Harriet E., born 1840 ; Frank E., born 1841, and 
Wilfrid L., bom 1846. 

BROWN, SAMUEL, born in Ireland in 1826, and came to the United States 
in 1843, first settling in New York city, where he remained until 1856, 
when he came to Vallejo. Followed the sea from 1843 till 1856, but on 



336 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



coming to California he engaged in farming, and in May, 1870 he opened 
his present meat market, on Virginia street, in Yallejo. Married in New 
Orleans 1854, Catharine Morris, a native of Irelalid, by whom he hi 
Mary M., Kol,ert H., Samuel J., Martha M., and Catharine 

TiTl";^' T'^^^.^^ '■' -- '-- - the State of Arkansas, Oeto- 
1/ 1 V , -f-r'"'^''"""' '"' P^'""*-'^ ^° California in 18o2, beino- the 
farst whit.^ child to arrive in Valk.'o. Wa. educated in the public schools 

Ma ri. f -''i r"T \ . '"^""'"' ^° '^'' '"^^'^'y «*■ '^' Na^-y Yard at 
Maie Isla^id where he ha« been continuously engaged for thirteen years 
\V as appointed City Clerk, April, i878. Is a meinber of the I. O ^0 F 
n'o (^\ O r- t'" T! f^""* ^^"■"'' Encampment, also Vallejo Lodge 
benertl I' V u ^f.^"' ^ prominent interest m all matters of pubHc 
beneht to Vallejo and its community. 

BROWNLIE. JAMES, Grocer of Vallejo. was born in the village of Car- 
uk., m Lanarkshnv. Seotlan.l, on the loth day of August, 1836 In 1858 
he left his native shores for California, arriving in the month of July of 
that year, when he settlo.l in Vallejo, but shortly after removed to Beni- 
cia, where he was employed by the Pacific Mail Co. to repair the old 
steamship Oregon. After three months he started for the Klamath 
Rnci. in Humboldt comity, and engaged in mining, but in four months 
leturned to A alle.o and worked at his trade, that^f cai-penter and joiner 
which he continued until 1860, when he established his present business' 

Il^lnler '"■ ^'""P'^^'"^^™' 8^=°"^"^'- ''--^^ing i«sue one son, John 

BROWNLIE. JOHN, is a native of Scotland, and passed his eai-ly yea.-s 
m hat part ot Great Britain, where he wa.s apprenticed for sometime 
to t lie grocery trade, hi Glasgow. On October 7. 1852, with some of his 
relations who had re^dsited the " land o' cakes," he sailed from Liveipool 
m a Cunard steamer for New York, where he remained a short tfme 
and then took passage for California in the S. S. " Northern Lic^hf but 
wa^ landed at Acapulco, from whence he proceeded to Barbacos^ thence 
up the river by native boat to Gorgona. from which place he performed 
the balance of the journey on foot to Panama. The hardships of this 
walk was trying to our youthful voyager; when but halfway his boot, 
gave out and were discarded; in crossing the rivers he held on to the 
tails of mules, and wa. thus ferried over ; and on the next dav. completely 
prostrated, he and his party, with whom he had caught up. "reached their 
destination, only to find that their steamer for San Fi-ancisco, for which 
they had tickets, had been burne,! in Valparaiso. The " Coitez - wa. on 




^^Jp^^^^'-^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 337 

the berth for California, but she was full; a passage, could not, therefore, 
be procured by her ; thus, in the meantime, with so large a party, money 
gave out, and he was obliged to dispose of his through ticket, so as to 
provide the means of subsistence for the company, and rely on the prom- 
ise that money should be remitted to him from California. Shortly after 
his companions sailed for the Golden State, leaving the subject of our 
memoir alone, moneyless, and friendless, in Panama. With that resource 
which the hardy sons of Scotia derive from their early training, Mr. 
Brownlie cast about him looking for employment, whereby to occujjy his 
time, and provide food; this he soon obtained in the Louisiana hotel, at 
the wages of sixty dollars per month ; but such is the fatal effects of the 
climate that but few live to see the month out. While at his avocation 
in this hostelry, he was prostrated Ijy a swelling of the feet from jiggers, 
contracted during his bare-foot tramp across the Isthmus, to add to which 
he was seized with the Panama fever, but stoutly refused to be taken to the 
hospital ; day by day he got lower, when an event occurred which may 
have done much towards preserving the life of John Brownlie. Let us 
tell it in his own words : " It was a Sunday morning, when, by luck, who 
should come to my relief, but an uncle — one whom I had not seen since I 
was a child. Of course, I did not know him, nor he me, until he asked 
after my parents, and his brothers and sisters. I was so charmed that I 
jumped right out of my sick bed. He asked how I came to be at Pan- 
ama, and how I came to be left by the party ; after explaining which, he 
told me that he had just bought a ticket for California, and if I wanted 
to get there he would give it to me, while he returned to Toboga (where 
he had been working for some time), to earn enough to pay his passage 
by another steamer." Thus, by the merest chance, at noon on the day on 
which he parted with his new-found relative, Mr. Brownlie steamed away 
from Panama on board the " Winfield Scott," boimd for San Francisco. 
On this voyage he again endured much suffering, and though many of his 
fellow-passengers died, he lived, happily, to arrive at his destination, after 
a passage of eighteen days. 

On arrival, he fortunately met his uncle, Robert Brownlee, and with 
him went to Vallejo, arriving when the Legislature was about to meet^ 
and at once obtained work there ; on the removal of the seat of govern- 
ment to Benicia, he followed them, and being employed in that city for a 
short time, he finally went to Mare Island and obtained labor with the 
Dry Dock Comjjany, who were then constructing the sectional dock ; from 
laboring work he rose to be a helper in the blacksmith's shop, and, being 
of an economical tm-n of mind, he soon purchased a share in a livery 
business ; after a lapse of some time he eventually became the sole 
proprietor, and has ever since kept a stable in Vallejo. In 1858, in con- 
jimction with his livery business, Mr. B. purchased a farm of 500 acres, 
22 



338 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

and matters progressed favorably for him until the year 1873, when, 
being connected with the Vallejo Bank, he was forced into the position of 
Cashier of that concern by the Directors and Stockholders ; but such was 
the revulsion in business at the time that the Bank was wound up, and 
all creditors satisfied. Mr. Browailie visited his native land, in the years 
1857, and '67, and made the tour of the three kingdoms ; has served 
as a Notary Public for two years ; a Supervisor for one term ; and is now 
besides his above mentioned business, a real estate agent ; and also agent* 
for a Fire and Life Insurance Company. Mr. B. was born in the year 
1833, and married, December 22, 1874, Miss Margaret Wakely, by whom 
he has Gracie May, born October 16, 1875, and Robert Ai-thur, born Nov. 
11, 1878. 

BROWNLEE, ROBERT, emigrated to America in the year 1836, and set- 
tled in the city of New York, where he sojourned four months, working 
at his trade of stone cutter. In September of that year he proceeded to 
North Carolina, and was employed for thirteen months in the capital of 
that State ; at the expiration of which he moved to Ai'kansas, arriving in 
Little Rock on Christmas day, 1837. He there prosecuted his calling for 
four years, working on the Capitol and State Bank, when he embarked 
in the cultivation of land. In 1848 he retired from the occupation of 
farming, and commenced pi'ospecting for lead, getting bloMTi up during 
this employment. Mr. Brownlee was a resident of the State of Arkansas 
altogether thirteen years. In 1849 the world was set agog by the dis- 
covery of gold in California, and he was one of the many hardy sons of 
toil who crossed the plains, enduring all its hardshijjs, hoping occasionally 
against hope, and putting aside any knowledge of fear; laboring incessantly 
to buoy up those who were bordering on despair, allaying the woes of the 
suffering and cheering the despondent. In this year, after a journey oc- 
cupying six months and a half, coming by way of Santa Fe, this band 
crossed the Colorado river in the latter end of August and entered Cali- 
fornia, the land of jDromise, on the tii'st day of September, 1849. For 
days before this event, water ■wdth them had been scarce, the canteens 

, which they wore slung over their shoulders being nearly empty ; at 
last, however, pools of water were discovered, and he, riding at the head 
of the cavalcade, was the first to lave his parched throat with the wearily 
looked for liquid. Dipping his pan deep into the pool, to procure the 
water in its coolest state, he found it on drinking to be potently charged 
with alkali ; to resort to the first rude method of counteraction, namely, 
the eating of quantities of fat pork, was the work of a moment, and he 
recovered ; not so two of the others, who, even when cautioned, recklessly 
partook of the beverage, both dying in great suffering on the evening of 
the same daj-. They were "buried by their comrades, while one of the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 339 

number, gifted above his fellows with the power of speech, offered up a 
prayer at their graves, which, for impressive eloquence, Mr. B. asserts he 
has never heard equalled. From the oldest to the youngest there was not 
a dry cheek. Let us now follow the fortunes of Mr. Brownlee. He ar- 
rived in Mariposa county in the first rains. He labored in the mines for 
six days, in the first hour and a half of which he dug up eighty dollars 
wortli of ore, his only implements being his jack-knife and tin pan. This 
was in October, 1849. With this sum he entered into partnership with 
John W. Clarke of Vermont, who had also been moderately lucky, pur- 
chased a team of six pack-ijules, and commenced what is known as a 
"packing" business, between Stockton and Ajuafria, two towns, one 
hundred miles apart. The first trip took these two pioneers some six 
weeks to accomplish. The roads were so bad from the excessive rains 
that the hardships endured were sufficient to deter men of less persever- 
ance ; always at their destination, however, such matters were treated 
lightly, for, after all, their business prospered, and miners tvould pay a 
dollar and a quarter per pound for tea and flour, while other necessaries 
commanded as high a price. Mr. Brownlee thus describes some of his 
experiences on this eventful first trip. On leaving the Stanislaus River, 
an eight-mule team, drawing a boiler, was come up with, but such was 
the deplorable state of the r(;aiis that nuiles, boiler and truck had sunk 
into the mud, nothing being left to view but the heads of three mule's and 
the highest point of the boiler. Here was a fix ! What was to be done ? 
Quick of resources, desperation lending wit to native acumen, the team- 
sters incontinently drove their animals on to the boiler, from which perch 
tliey daintily picked their steps on to the backs of their less fortunate 
brethren, one after the other, until once more terra firma was regained. 
There were four of these adventurers — James Mc Vicar, Mr. B., his part- 
ner, and a negro. During a blinding snow storm they proceeded on- 
wards; and arrived at Dry Creek, whei'e each mule had to be repacked, 
the cargo having shifted, on account of the many slips and falls which the 
quadrupeds had sustained. On relieving them of their burdens and 
placing the sacks of flour on the clay, the first two tiers sank out of sight, 
causing no inconsiderabls damage. There was not the wherewithal to 
build a fire whereby food might be prepared, so they supped on flour, 
mixed with water, and raw fat pork ; cold and hungiy, they lay on the 
saddle blankets, striving to wheedle the gentle goddess — the four of them 
— Mr. Brownlee next to the negro. During the night the snow and sleet 
ceased, and a hard frost set in, making the cold intense. The water in a 
pair of long boots, the property of the darkey, froze to a solid mass, which 
was not perceived until he had tried to put them on ; but, whether on 
account of the size of his feet or the frigidity and rigidity of the ice, they 
would not be coaxed into their proper resting place till thawed by the 



340 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

waterof a convenient stream. The morning, however, lentabrighter aspect 
to the state of things, for daylight showed where fuel was to be obtained, 
a hearty meal was made off coffee and flapjacks, which they enjoyed, for, 
on the principle of hunger being the best sauce, McV. would, now and 
again, observe, " Eh, man, Bob, but aren't they good !" On the following 
day the Tuolumne River was gained, in another snow storm, they camp- 
ing in a " wash " of the river. This night a splendid fire was built. Three 
large trees, which were lying in the bed of the now dry stream, were 
piled over with brush and set alight, while the banks gave shelter from 
the driving sleet and snow ; and comp^ative comfort, with a certain 
amount of satisfaction, was being taken out of the burning mass of tim- 
ber, some forty feet in length. Of a sudden, without the slightest warn- 
ing, their gigantic hearth was seen to float away ; the water rose with in- 
credible speed, so that they were wet to their waists while securing theii; 
packs. At length all was made snug, and the quartette, climbing up to 
the fork of a tree, out of the reach of the now rushing stream, in the driv- 
ing snow, philosophically awaited the dawn of day. Of such were the 
hardships endured on this memorable journey. 

In the spring of the j'ear 18.50, the .subject of our memoir established a 
store, having a mule team in connection therewith. The former combined 
all the mining luxuries cf a boarding-house, ten-pin alley and card-room, 
as well as the agency for Adams' Express. At the time when the first 
snow fell, Mr. B. found himself with a large accumulation of staple goods 
for M'hieh there would be a ready market; he therefore turned out his 
animals to pasture on what was known as the Texine ranch, when on 
one day he was informed that a force of Indians had been seen driving 
them ofl". This was a cause of the hastening of another Mariposa war. 
On the I'eceipt of this intelligence Major Burney, then Sheriff' of the 
county, raised a company of twenty-two volunteers started in pursuit, 
and overtaking the Indians engaged them for three or four hours, when 
they fled leaving behind them partially eaten portions of the beasts which 
had been cooked between the time of theii' capture and the conflict. At 
this junctiu-e the war had assumed proportions which were likely to 
develop. The Major, therefore, appealed to Governor Burnett at San 
Jose for aid, when he despatched Neely Johnson to organize three com- 
panies of militia in Mariposa county, Mr. Brownlee being suttler of the 
battalion, and as such he found himself possessed of a large amount of 
scrip, paid to him by the force, which he wished to have recognized by 
the officers of the State. To gain this was the object of his first visit to 
Vallejo in 1851, on which occasion he remained only two months, return- 
ing to Mariposa county, and thereafter visited Sacramento in 1852 on the 
same eri-and, after which he once more went back to Mariposa, wound up 
his affairs and started to return to Scotland, but havinsr missed the steamer 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 341 

from San Francisco to Panama, he remained for three weeks in Val- 
leio On the 1st day of March, 1852, Mr.Brownlee sailed from San Fran- 
cisco visiting en route Ai'kansas and Kentucky, where he met his wife, 
went to Scotland, but in two months from his arrival, having visited a 
few of the most noteworthy places in his native land, once more turned 
towards the United States and landed in New York, where he was 
married soon after his arrival. In October, 1852, we find Mr. Brownlee 
on his second voyage to California, on this occasion accompanied by his 
bride and his brother, his wife and son, traversing the route, not by the 
plains as he had done three years before, but by the more pleasant and 
swifter one of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in the end of Novem- 
ber and having pleasant recollections of Vallcjo, immediately thereafter 
proceeded thither, where both families located in December, 1852. 
Early in the next year he commenced farming and a dairy busmess on a 
small scale, purchased a tract of fifty acres of land two miles north of the 
town limits, which he afterwards exchanged with General John B. Frisbie, 
in 1857 for his present place, now in Napa county, but which was then 
in that of Solano. Since his arrival, up to the present time, Mr. Brown- 
lee has been in,separably connected with Vallejo and its associations, and 
thou<rh he does not reside in the county, he is still spoken of by all as 
the most reliable source of information in regard to the doings in early 
days His residence is a magnificent two-storied building, having rooms 
of tine proportions, situated about fourteen miles from Vallejo ; he farms 
over 1 100 acres of land, 650 being in Solano county, while this season he 
has under wheat and bariey no less than 1,100 acres. The line of rail- 
road to Sacramento from South Vallejo passes his gate, while there is an 
averacrely good road to his dwelling. A more genial companion, a bet- 
ter citizen or hospitable host does not exist than Robert Brownlee_ 
He was born at Bunkle, in the parish of Cambusnethen, in the county rf 
Lanark, Scotland, in 1813, married Annie Lamont October 24, 18o2, 
born in Tamhorn, in the Carse O'Gowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1834, 
by whom he has Robert A., born October 14, 1853, (the first white boy 
born in Vallejo) ; Mary J., born August 1, 1855 ; Margaret R., born June 
4 1857 • Gracie A., born July 10, 1862 ; George, born February 23, 18G4; 
William, born November 25, 1866, died March 17, 1868 ; and Frederick 
J., born August 19, 1870. 

BROWNLEE, THOMAS, was born in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland, 
in the year 1816, where he remained until the year 1842 when he emi- 
grated to America and settled in the State of Arkansas. In the year 
1846 he enlLsted in the Arkansas Regiment, under command of Colonel 
Yell and with it served in the Mexican war for one year, being present 
at the engagement at Buena Vista. On the expiration of his service he 



342 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COCTNTY. 

returned to ArkarLsas and there remained till 1852 when he came to 
California, and was in that year among the very first to settle in Yallejo 
where he was the original blacksmith of this now thriving city. Is a 
charter member of the Benicia Lodge of F. and A. M., being one of the 
few originators of that lodge who are now living : is also a charter mem- 
ber of the Masters Lodge of F. and A. M. of Yallejo. Married June 29, 
1849, Mary Lamont, by whom he has Alexander J., Annie, and John. 

BUTLER, 0. H., was bora in Utica, N. T., in May, 1829, and there re- 
mained until 1833, when, with his parents, he moved to Michigan, resid- 
ing there until 1842. In this year he went to Illinois, and worked at his 
trade of a mason at Chicago, Bloomington. Peoria, and finally settled there. 
In 18.5.5 he moved to Li\-ingston coimty. Mo., where he resided imtil 
1862, when he crossed the Plains to California, and settled at Woodland, 
Yolo count}-, and there established a brick-yard, combining this business 
with that of a contractor. At the end of two years he moved to Santa 
Rosa, Sonoma county, and there erected a flour mill, with water power, on 
Markwest creek. This enterprise he conducted for five years, when, in 
ISGO, he sold his property and came to Yallejo, where he has since re- 
sided. Was appointed Quarterman-mason on the Navy Yard at Mare 
Island. July 22. 1872. and is still employeil there. He married July 22, 
1851, Julia A. Michael, of Bloomington, Ills. 

CALLENDER. JOHN, was bom in Bucks county. Pa., November 16, 1822. 
and aft. r two yeai-s residence here he. with parents, moved to Philadelphia, 
where he learned the carpenters' and joinei-s" trade, following that occu- 
pation until March 19, 1852. when he staited for California. arri\-ing in 
San Francisco on the 13th day of August following. Having brought 
his carpentei-s' tools with him, he work in the city for one month, when 
he came to Yallejo on the ship " Empire," it being the same he crossed 
the ocean on to San Fi-ancisco. We record his arrival here on September 
13, 1852. There being no house in which he could live he had to remain 
on the boat until a temporary dwelling was erected on Mare Island, in 
which he lived until the Na^■y Yard was established there by the Gov- 
ernment, when he moved on the Yallejo side, and, in company with John 
North, opened the Central House, but continued working at his trade. In 
1859 he commenced the livery business, and in 1864 established the 
undertakei-s' trade, both of which he has followed to the present time. 
Married Catherine Fraser, daughter of James P. Fraser, a native of Phil- 
adelphia, Pa. They were mai-rieil in Yallejo, Septemlier, 1858. They 
have had three children, all of which ai-e deceased. Mr. C. has ser%-ed 
two terms as Super\-isor, and in 1871 ran for Sheriff and was only beaten 
by 653 vote^, which was owing to the " tape-worm ticket" 



THE HISTORY OF SOLASO OOrNTT. 343 

CARMAN, A. S, is a native of the pi-o\-iuce of New Biimswick. where lie 
was lx">rn on September 7, 1S49. Entered a mercantile and ship-building 
firm at the age of fourteen, and, after remaining theiv two yeai-s, entereil 
the employment of a mei-cantile, ship-buiUiing. aiid giindstone maniifactiu-- 
ing company, whei-e he continued for one N^eai-, when he left for California, 
arrivinir theiv in September. 18(57, and entered into the huuber business 
with Houghton &: Lee, of Vallejo. Afterwaixis wafi engaged V>y the firm 
of Di;k> vVr Mooi-e, of South Vallejo, as .salesman and later a.s bix>kkeeper, 
who ha\-ing sold out to Pope &: Talbot, he wa-s apixiLnted manager to the 
new tii-m, a position which he still occupies. Man-ied in November, 1876, 
to Miss Estelle Davenport, of Montei-ey, a native of Michigan, and ha.s 
one son. 

COLHOUN. EDMUND R., U. S. N.. Commandant Mare Island Navy Yard, 
was Knn in Penusyh auia. May 6, 1S21 ; appointed midshipman from 
Missouri, April 1, 1830: attached to sloop "Marion," Bitizil Squadron. 
1839-41 : frigate " Congi-ess," MediteiTanean and Bi-azil Squadrons. 1842- 
44 ; Naval Scho<.il, Philadelphia, 1845 ; promoted to passed Miiishipman, 
July 2, 1845 ; frigate " Ciunberland," Home Squaih'on. 184G-47. Com- 
modore Colhoun took part in the Mexican wai", lieing present at the 
tii-st attack on Alvarado, under Commodore Connor, and that at Tabasco, 
under Commodore Perry, which resulted in its capture. Served as passed 
Midshipman on boiud the armed prize schooner "Novata"; attached to 
the i-eceiving ship " Philadelphia," 1850-51 ; frigate ' St. Lawrence,' 
Pacific Squadron, 1851-53 : resigned, June 27, 1853. Re-entered the 
senice as Acting Lieutenant in 18G1; commanded steamere "Shawslieen" 
and ■' Hunchl^ack," North Atlantic Blockading Squatlron, 1861-62. Was 
present at and took part in the following engagements : Battle of Roan- 
oke Island. February 7 and S, 1862 ; capture of Newlxn-n, March 14, 
1862 : engagements on the Black water river, below Fiunklin, Yirgiuia. 
Octolx^r, 1862 ; received his commission as Commander November 17, 
1862; commanded steamer ■" Ladoua," North Athmtic Blockading St^uad- 
ron, 1863 ; commanding monitor " Weehawken, ' South Atlantic Block- 
ading Squadron. 1863 : was present at tlie diflerent actions with Foits 
Sumter, Wagner, Beaiu'egard, etc., from July 10 to September 15, 1863 ; 
conmianded the monitor " Saugas," North Athmtic Blockading Squadi'on, 
1864-65 ; engaged Howlett's Battery on James river, June 21, and again 
on December 5, 1864 ; took part in the bombaiximent of Fort Fisher, 
December 25. 1864, and the different engagements therewith until its 
capture on January 15, 1865 ; was on special duty at New York, 1S66 ; 
Fleet Captain, South Pacific Squadron. 1866-67, and coumiissioued as 
Captain 1860: comm-\nded iron clad "Dictator" 1860-70; appointed 
in 1873 to command the fiag-ship " Hartford," on the Asiatic Station ; 



344 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

was in command of that Station four months, when he was transferred 
to the " Richmond " flag-ship, on the South Pacific Station, where he 
served from August, 1874, to July, 1875. The Commodore's next official 
duties were in connection with the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, 
where he was three months, when he was placed on the Examining Board 
at Washington, sei-ving on it for six months. Promoted to the rank of 
Commodore April 26, 1876, and, having been appointed to Mare Island 
Navy Yard, he relieved Admiral Rodgers of the command April 17, 1877. 
Commodore Colhoun is married and has a family. 

CONDON, JAMES, born in Ireland, in 1826, and came to America in 1848, 
first settling in New York. In 1855, he came to California and located 
at Sacramento, engaging in the nursery business in connection with A. B. 
Smith, whose agent he was until 1862. In that year he went back to the 
Eastern States, returning to California in 1864, and once more settled in 
Sacramento, where he stayed four years, after which he engaged in farm- 
ing in Yolo county, and remained there until he took the management of 
the White Sulphur Springs near Vallejo, where he now resides. In 1855, 
he married, in New York, Miss Rose Maclean. 

CONNOLLY, HENRY, was born in 1826, in the county of Fermanagh, 
Ireland, from whence he emigrated to the United States in 1846, and 
settled in New York city, remaining there till 1853, when he left for 
California and settled in San Francisco. In 1857, he removed to Vallejo, 
where he commenced business in the Washington Hotel, which he carried 
on for many years and which property he still owns. In connection there- 
with, he opened a livery business in 1859, which he still continues. Mr. 
Comiolly also opened a wholesale wine and liquor store in 1875. He 
married Catharine Elliott in 1853, who was born in county Fermanacrh in 
1826. 

DARE, JOHN T., is a native of Brook Haven, Long Island, New York, 
and born March 27, 1843. Here he was educated in the common schools' 
and, at the age of thirteen, went to sea as a cabin boy, going up through 
all the different grades to that of first mate. This occupation he followed 
eight years. In May, 1861, he arrived in San Francisco on the ship " W. 
L. Richardson," being second in command of that craft, but left her on 
his arrival and shipped for the South Sea Islands and return. In 1862, 
went to Shoalwater Bay, oystering, returning the same year with a large 
number of oysters, planting them in San Pablo bay ; but the high water 
in the Winter of 1862-3 destroyed them. The following year, read law 
v^th C. Greenwich Howard, of San Francisco. About the time of the 
El Dorado Canyon or Colorado river gold excitement, he went to that 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 345 

locality and, after experiencing the changeable fortunes incident to a miner, 
he returned and settled in Los Ajigeles, and was engaged in driving team 
for other parties. Next we find him in the employ of the Government, 
under Major Morris, at Drum Barracks, running trains across the desert. 
During Brigadier General John S. Mason's expedition through Arizona 
Territory, Mr. Dare accompanied them as master of transportation. After 
making a complete tour of the Territory, he selected Prescott, in the Ter- 
ritory, as a place of residence ; here he established the first pony express 
from Prescott to California, via Fort Mojave, riding the pony himself, 
without escort, through hands of hostile Indians, for six months ; then 
run a wagon train from Prescott to Colorado river. In 1867, he was 
elected to the lower house of the Arizona Legislature, and was the framer 
of several bills which still are a part of the laws of that country. Soon 
after the expiration of his office, the large wagon train he was then run- 
ning, was captured and destroyed by Indians, his train-master losing his 
life in the battle. Becoming disgusted with the coimtry on account of 
the hostilities of the savages, he returned to California, settling in Vallejo, 
in 1868. Here he worked at various occupations, then a freight clerk in 
the office of Cal. P. R. R., and eighteen months thereafter was A. D. Starr 
& Co.'s cashier and book-keeper. In the Fall of 1877, he was elected to 
the lower house of the State Legislature, doing the State excellent service 
in framing and working through the Bank Commission Bill, also the Fish 
and Game bills, and a strong advocate of the Postal Savings Bank bill. 
He has made a continuous residence in south Vallejo since his coming in 
1868, and is now one of its business men. Man-ied in this place Miss 
Anetta, eldest daughter of George H. Martin, of Albany, New York, on 
January 18, 1872, their children are Ellen S., Starr D. and Edith. 

DEININ6ER, F., born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1832. In 18.') 6, came to 
America and .settled in San Francisco, where he remained but a short 
time, then removed to Los Angeles where he engaged in the brewery 
business. In the Summer of 18.57, he established a brewery at Long 
Bar, Yolo county, and the same time commenced farming on a large scale 
nine miles from Marysville. In 1866, he moved to Meadow Lake, Nevada 
county, and opened a brewery there, which he continued until 1870, when 
he established a like undertaking in Vallejo, in which city he now resides. 
Married at Marysville, in 1858, Madelina Young, by whom he has ; Jessie, 
Louisa, Daisy, Jacob, Mary, Lena, Maggie and Rose. 

DERWIN, MICHAEL S., was bom in County Galway, Ireland, in 1812, 
and resided there till 1834, when he emigrated to America, first settling 
in Philadelphia. In 1837 he went to the Florida war, being connected 
with the quartermasters' department, and leaving there, came to New 



S-l'G THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COUNTY. 

York in March, IS-tl, proceeding thereafter to Philadelphia. In that citv 
he embarked in a grocery busines-s, which he continue(i till 1848, when 
he moved to New Orleans, where he lived till 1852, in which year he left 
for California, via Panama, arriving in San Franci.sco on Februarv SSth 
of that 3'ear. In March lie paid a flpng visit to Vallejo, and thence pro- 
ceeded to Stockton, from which place he went to the mines in Tuolumne 
County, where he engaged in mining for one year. At the end of that 
period he returned to San Francisco and began draying, which busine.ss 
he prosecuted for eight months. In the latter part of the year lSo3 he 
retumed to Philadelphia and tlien to New York, in which city he stai-ted 
the wholesale and retail liquor trade. In July, 1854, he once more turned 
towards the Golden Stat<», an-iving in San Francisco in August, and took 
up his abode there imtil January, 1855, when he moved to Yallejo and 
located in that city, and wa-s employed for fifteen months in the Navy 
Yard at Mare Island. In 1856 he started for the mines in Oregon, so- 
journing there for one year and a half, at the expiration of which he 
came back to Vallejo, where he has since resided. In 1870 Mr. Der^vin 
\-isited his friends in Philadelphia, and having returned to Vallejo, em- 
barked in the grocery business. Mr. D. is a memlier of the tirm of Der- 
win it McCudden, is married, and ha-s a family. 

DOYLE, JAMES, born in Montreal, Canada, December 25, 1828, and re- 
sided there till 184ti. when he went to New York City, and on April 1. 
1852, .sailed from there on the ship "North America," for California, 
arriving in San Francisco September 1 of that year. Remained in that 
city till 1855, and then proceeded to Vallejo, where he has since remained 
a permanent resident. Mr. Doyle started the Pioneer Marble Works in 
Vallejo in 1862, which he still owns, and was elected Constable for the 
Township of Vallejo on September 5, 1877, and commenced his official 
duties in the month of March following. He married in New York, De- 
cember 25, 1840, Anna Fleury, by whom he has Sai-ah A., Thomas, Marv 
E., Addie, Jonas, Robert E., Annie, Eliaabeth, Chai-les and Gertrude. 

DRAKE, SIMON S., farmer, Section 16, post-office, Vallejo; was born in 
CMiielustei. Now Hampshire, September 15, 1831, and remained there till 
184S. but did not leave the State till the Spring of 1854, when he moved • 
to Fillmoiv CountA', Minnesota, there engaging In general merchandising, 
pre-empting land, and fai-ming, until the early part of 1857, when he re- 
turned t« the Eastern States and settled in Massachusetts, but remained 
there only two yeare. On January 6, 1850, he sailed from New York, via 
Panama, arri\-ing in San Francisco in February, and immediately went to 
Saci-ameuto, and there worked on a dairy fariii till the following Septom- 
ber, when he proceeded to South San Fiuncisco and entered th'e employ- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 347 

ment of John J. Haley, then proprietoi- of the International Hotel. In 
the Spring of 1860 he moved to Contra Costa County, and rented a farm 
from Victor Castro, Init in the following Spring he left that portion of 
the country and .sought emplopnent in the Mare Island Navy Yard, in 
the phimhei's" department. Lea^^ng ilare Island in the Fall of that year, 
he proceeded to Idaho Territory, and commenced mining on Newsom 
Creek, which he prosecuted till November, 1862, keeping also a miners' 
store, when, at that date, he once more returned to San Francisco. In 
February of the following year Mr. Drake proceeded to Austin, Nevada, 
and was employed as engineer at different mills till I860, when, on Feb- 
ruary 10th, he once more went to San Francisco, from which city he pro- 
ceeded to his home in the Eavst, on . the 1 oth of the month, \\niile at 
Lj-nn, Ma-s-sachusetts, he engaged with his brothers in the gi-ocery and 
provision business, which he continued till April, 1866, when he left 
for Minnesota, and from thence went to Kan.sa.s City, Missouri, arri\nng 
there July 4, 1866. He next pi-oceeded to Ray County, Missouri, where 
he worked as an engineer for two yeai^s. On October 7th, 1868," he was 
married to Miss Mirza C. Craven, and soon after, left for California, but 
after a few months returned to Missouri for his wife, coming back to Cali- 
fornia in November, 1869, and .settled on his present fann of 360 acres. 
Mr. Drake is a member of the Grangers, as well as of the Ancient Order 
of United Workmen and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has by 
his wife three children — Walter Frank, bom in Ray County, Missouri, 
September 18, 1869; Hany Clyde, born April 14, 1871, at Vallejo; and 
Joey Howai'd, born September 23, 1872. 

EDWARDS. WILLIAM P., was born in London, England, on July 8, 1821, 
and in 1837 came to New York, to which place his father had preceded 
him. Was employed in ditierent mercantile houses in New York and 
Philadelphia until May o, 1849, when he set sail from the latter city in 
the bark " Ralph Cross " for San Francisco, where he arrived November 
5, of the .same year. Mr. Edwards had brought with him a machine for 
cutting shingles, which he erected on what was known as the Widow 
Reed's Ranch, in Marin comity, but he was forced, after giving it a trial 
to succumb to the want of experience in this particular industrj- . Mr. 
Edwards thereafter went to the Middle Fork of the Yuba River, to a 
place called Snow Camp, in the summer of I80O, but returned to San 
Francisco in the fall of the same j'ear, and after a time engaged in mer- 
cantile pui-suits, which he continued until 1865, when he settled in 
Vallejo. Has been Secretaiy of the Association of California Pioneei's 
since its formation, with the exception of two terms, he is also a member 
of Vallejo Lodge No. 64, I. 0. G. T. 



348 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

EGERY, B. D., of the firm of Egery & Lamont, was born in Penobscot 
county, Maine, on December 12, 1838, remaining there until 1859, when 
he came to California. First engaged in mining in Butte county, remov- 
ing therefrom one year after, when he removed to Chico, and from there 
to San Francisco, from whence he went to Owen's river, where he again 
engaged in mining. In the fall of 1863 he obtained employment as a clerk 
in San Francisco, at which he remained until January, 1867, when he left 
for Vallejo and opened a grocery, fruit and provision store, which was 
destroyed by fire in the following June. He then became a clerk with 
E. T. StaiT. In September, 1869, he entered into partnership with John 
E. Williston, whose interest his present partner purchased in Septem- 
ber, 1870, when the firm of Egery & Lamont was started. Mr. Egery 
married November 24, 1871, Miss Cari'ie G. Lambert, a native of Phila- 
delphia, who was born in 1846, by whom he has Lambert D., John A., 
Benjamin C, and Eugene. 

FARNHAM, JOHN, Clothing, Gents' Furnishing Goods, Trunks and Valises . 
The subject of this .sketch was born in Bucksport, Maine, in 1840, and in 
1860 took to the sea as a profession, which he followed for four years. 
In the natural course of his calling he arrived in San Francisco in 1863, 
and proceeding to Mare Island he at once obtained employment in the 
Navy Yard. In 18G7 he returned to his native town and engaged in the 
hardware business, under the style and firm of S. A. &. J. Farnham. In 
1868 he disposed of his interest in that firm and once more returning to 
California came to Vallejo and established his present business, under the 
name of Farnham & Voorhees, which partnership continued until the 
year 1871, since when he has been alone. Mr. F. has also a dry goods 
business in Salem, Oregon. Vallejo has few more public .spirited citizens 
than John Farnham. In 1877 he was elected to fill the chair of the Re- 
publican County Committee ; again in 1878 the like honor was con- 
ferred upon him, and, never being behind-hand where duty in the public 
interest is demanded, he has served on the Board of Education, and filled 
other respon.sible offices. In 1868 Mr. Farnham married Mary L., daugh- 
ter of Andrew J. Ketcham, of Brandon, Vt., who was born in 1841. In 
this connection an episode occurred which may here be mentioned ■ 
When returning home, in 1867, the " Santiago de Cuba," the steamer on 
which he had taken passage, was wrecked on the coast of New Jersey, 
near the city of Atlantic ; seven of the passengers were drowned, but Mr. 
Farnham, at the imminent risk of his own life, succeeded in saving that 
of Miss Ketcham, the young lady whom a year later he made his bride. 
The union so romantically forecast has been blessed l:»y three children, 
John W., Frank B., and Mary Louise. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 349 

TORSTENFELD, M., was bom in Germany in the year 1841, and came to 
America in March 1855, and settled in New York, where he remained till 
1861, at which time he came to California and first resided in San Fran- 
cisco, remaining there until 1863, and then removed to Vallejo. In July, 
1875, he entered into partnership with Jacob Steffen, in keeping a meat 
market, which business they still continue. He married in Vallejo, in 
September, 1867, Miss Lizzie Snider, a native of New Orleans, who was 
bom February 9, 1852. 

FRISBIE, ELEAZER, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1829, and remained 
there until September, 1846, when he sailed for California with Steven- 
son's Regiment, arriving in San Francisco in March, 1847. Was quar- 
tered in that city till the spring of 1848, when he accompanied a detach- 
ment of his regiment to the mines to look for deserters, of whom there 
were a number. This service occupied two months. The force was em- 
barked on a government schooner, which took ten days to reach Sutter's 
Fort (Sacramento) from San Francisco. On the return they took some 
Government horses, and drove them to the city, after which Mr. Frisbie 
was taken ill with a fever, from the effects of which he did not recover 
for a whole year. In 1848 the regiment was disbanded. He then, by the 
advice of his physician, proceeded to Sonoma for the benefit of his health, 
and, after recovering, opened a store in that city, remaining there until 
1850, when he removed to Benicia, and carried on a butchery business, 
shipping meat to San Francisco for two years. About this time the city 
of Vallejo was started, he therefore moved thither. In 1854 Mr. Frisbie 
was elected a Justice of the Peace, served as an Associate Justice, and was 
the first regularly appointed postmaster for the city of Vallejo. an oflice 
he held from 1855 to 1857. Mr. F. resided continuously in Vallejo, from 
1851 to 1865, when he removed to Russian River Township, Sonoma 
county, Cal., and there lived till the fall of 1870, being, for that period, 
engaged in farming. In that year he returned to Vallejo, and was em- 
ployed by the Cal. P. R. R. Co. as wood agent. In 1872 was in the em- 
ployment of the Vallejo Land and Improvement, and Vallejo Gaslight 
Companies, as collector, till Nov., 1875 . In February, 1876, he commenced 
a dairy business, at Point Farm, one mile from South Vallejo, which he 
still carries on, shipping large quantities of milk to San Francisco daily, 
as well as supplying the surrounding district. Mr. Frisbie married at 
Fairmount, N. J., June 25, 1858, Carrie E. Klink, of Syracuse, N. Y., by 
whom he has seven children living : John B. ; Steven H. ; Cyiithia J. ■ 
Phcebe A. ; Edward E. ; Carrie E. ; Alice K. 

FRISBIE, JOHN B., the second son of Eleazer B. Frisbie and Cynthia 
Cornell Frisbie was born at Albany, N. Y., on the 20th day of May A. D. 



350 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

1823, and after having finished his academic course of study at the Al- 
bany Academy, entered the law office of District Attorney Wheaton one 
of the ablest lawyers at the New York Bar ; with whom he remained 
for four years or until he was of legal age and admitted to practice in 
the courts of the State of New York. He immediately took a prominent 
•position in the politics of the State, and received, for a young man, a large 
patronage and remunerative business ; after some two years of close at- 
tention and continued study, having somewhat of a martial spirit, he was 
elected Captain of the Van Rensselaer Guards, acknowledged to be the 
best drilled and finest looking independent company of the State. At 
this time, 1846, war existed with Mexico, and a number of the officers 
and privates of this corps being desirous to enter the anny in 
the campaign against Mexico, Captain Fi-isbie joined them and 
recruiting a full company in the city of Albany, he attached it as 
Company I to the regiment of Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson, then at 
Governor's Island and about to sail for the then distant Province of 
California. The regiment arrived after a six months passage at San 
Francisco, then nothing more than a little hamlet situated in a little cove 
of the harbor and called " Yerba Buena." This was in March, 1847, and 
the regiment continued in service until disbanded after the close of the 
war in July, 1848. Gapt. Frisbie then immediately engaged in business 
witli Gen. Vallejo and occupied himself in the management of that 
gentleman's extensive estate, and in projecting great public improvements 
at botli the cities of Benicia anil Vallejo. To secure the location of the 
Mare Island Navy Yard at Vallejo he purchased the island from Victor 
Castro and obtaining from Commodore Appleton P. Jones and Gen. Per- 
sifer F. Smith and other influential gentlemen a favorable rejiort for that 
locality. The government made it the United States Naval Station of 
the Pacific. Not satisfied with the achievement to advance the interests 
of the new city, with indomitable will he set to work to open up railroad 
communications with the interior of the State and inaugurated the Cal- 
ifornia Pacific to connect the cities of Maiysville and Sacramento with 
Vallejo. This road was speedily built and for a time gave a marked 
impetus to the growth and importance of the town. The population 
rapidly increased, fine wharves and warehouses were built and it speedily 
became the great shipping port for the whole of the northern portion of 
the State. Branches or feeders to the main line were then projected to 
tap the valleys of Napa and Sonoma and the Russian river countiy, but 
the immense expenditures consequent upon the prosecution of these im- 
provements so embarrassed the original company that they were compelled 
to succumb, and the road and its property fell into the hands of a rival 
company, whose business interests were antagonistic to the gi'owth of the 
little city ; as a consequence Vallejo soon lost its prestige of becoming a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 351 

great commercial city, and in its decline carried ruin to its projectors and 
disappointment to all interested in its welfare. But Gen. Frisbie was not 
the man to yield to mere temporary embarrassment and fortunately at 
this time (our relations with the neighboring republic of Mexico being in 
a critical condition) he was called to Washington to confer with the au- 
thorities, and was despatched by the President and Secretary of State to 
the city of Mexico. As the result of his mission amicable relations were 
established between the two countries, and the President, Gen. Diaz, 
recognized by our government. But Gen. Frisbie during his residence in 
the city of Mexico became so captivated with the country and was so 
tjenerously treated by its people that he determined to make it his future 
home and he removed his family to Buena Vista, a beautiful suburb of 
the city of Mexico, and is now engaged in developing some very rich 
mines in the Real del Monte district some sixty miles from the capital. 
It will thus be seen Gen. Frisbie has always been pre-eminently a public 
spirted man, of great energy, enterprise, and of unbounded hospital- 
ity and in all public positions was ever regarded as the peer of the ablest 
men among all the pioneers of the golden State. 

FRISBIE, LEVI C, the elder son of Eleazer B. Frisltie and Cynthia Cor- 
nell Frisliie, was bom in the city of Albany, N. Y., on the 1st day of May 
A. D. 1821; after a preliminary course of education in his native city, he 
completed his academic term in the Buffalo Academy and commenced 
the study of medicine in the office of Dr. William Bry and surgery witli 
Dr. Alden March in the year 1837, and graduated at the Albany Medical 
College February 23, 1841. Immediately after receiving his diploma he 
commenced practice with his old preceptor in the city of Albany and 
continued the same without interruption until the year 1850 ; when from 
overwo)-k during the cholera epiileinic of 1849, his health became so un- 
dermined as to necessitate entire suspension of business and compel him 
to seek mental quietude and physical recuperation from travel and change 
of scene and association. After four years thus spent his health was so 
far restoi'ed as to enable him to resume practice in the year 1 854, since 
which time he has been an active practitioner of his profession in the city 
of Vallejo and is now the oldest one in the county of Solano. He has 
been twice elected president of the medical society of his native county 
ami has officiated as the first President of the Pacific Medical Society, 
comprising the counties of Solano, Sonoma and Napa. In the year 1831 
I in coimection with Gen. Vallejo and Gen. John B. Frisbie he laid out the 
plan of the city of Vallejo, which the same year by a majority vote of 
the people of the State and a two-thirds vote of the Legislature became 
the capital of the State. In the year 1858 he married Adela Vallejo the 
second daughter of Gen. Vallejo, by whom he has one child, now the 



352 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

wife of D. McCarthy, Jr., Treasurer of the city of Syracuse in the State of 
New York. The Doctor is now in his fifty-eighth year and having de- 
voted the best years of his life to his profession, has retired from active 
practice, and in the enjoyment of an ample competence is content to pass 
the remainder of his days among the people and amid the scenes he loves 
so well. 

FROST, JAMES, M. D., arrived in California in 1856 and settled as an 
apothecary on Mare Island, where he continued till 18G6, when he 
removed to Vallejo and opened his present place of business. Doctor 
Frost graduated at the Medical Department of the State University in 

1877, and is now one of Vallejo's practicing physicians. On May 18, 

1878, he was elected to fill the high position of President of the Board of 
Health, which honor he still retains, with credit alike to himself and his 
fellow citizens; is also examining physician to the United Order of 
Workmen, as well as holding the same position to the Knights of 
Pythias. The subject of our memoir married on February 6, 1859, the 
daughter of John ,and Mary Foley, of Albany, New York, by whom he 
has six children, Arthur H., Edmund F., Mary E., Amelia G., Frances J., 
and Elizabeth E. 

GOOKIN, THOMAS P., was bom May 9, 1824, in Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire, where lie remained till the year 1848, when he went to Boston, 
Mass., residing there until January 1, 1849, on which date he left for 
New York City, sailing therefrom, on January 27, for California, and 
arrived in San Francisco on July 6th of the same year. Has since been 
a permanent resident of this State and county. He is a membei- of the 
Pioneer's Association of this place. 

GORHAM, ABRAHAM, foreman painter in the Department of Yards and 
Docks, Mare Island Navy Yard, was born in England, October, 1826. In 
1837 he went with his parents to South Australia, where he served his 
apprenticeship to the painter's trade, and in 1850 came to California, arriv- 
ing in San Francisco in August of that year, where he worked at his trade. 
In 1852 he leased the boarding house known as the Thistle Inn, which 
then stood near the corner of Sansome steeet and Broadway, carrying 
It on with good success till 1854, when he went to Santa Clara valley and 
pursued farming for one year. In April, 1855, he came to Vallejo, and 
entered into partnership with David Hudson in the building and painting 
business, which he prosecuted for one year; and in 1858 he commenced 
work on Mare Island, where he has been engaged most of the time since. 
In 1864 Mr. Gorham purchased the property, known as the Eureka 
Hall, which he owned till 1878. 



) 




u f 



S /t^ /y^i^c.M'^^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 353 

He married in October, 1848, Miss Elizabeth Ide, by whom he has, 
Henry, born in August, 1849 ; George, born in August, 1851 ; Abraham 
James, bom September, 1853 ; Thomas Robert, born March, 1856 ; and 
Franklin Walter, born March,1865. 

HANKS, J. G., a detective of Vallejo, was born in Summit county, Ohio, 
on August G, 1829, where he resided until 1849, when he sailed from New 
York on May 18th for (jalfornia on board the ship " Far West." Off the 
coast of Barbados they were wrecked, and, being picked up by a whaling 
vessel, were taken to Panama. On the voyage up the Pacific coast our 
subject once more suffered shipwreck in the loss of the " Chimera," at 
Monterey. He per force landed and found his way thence to San Fran- 
cisco on foot. Mr. Hanks arrived in Solano county on March 11, 1850, 
coming first to Vallejo, and after, going to Benicia, and there opening a 
blacksmith's shop. Leaving this business, however, he next proceeded to 
the mines in El Dorado county, but in 1855 once more returned to Val- 
lejo only for two months, when he again went to the mines and there 
stayed until 1860. We next find Hanks mining in Nevada. Here he 
became a member of the police force of Virginia City. After five years 
service he established an express line at Crystal Peak, Cisco, which he 
maintained till 1869, when, in connection with his father, he commenced 
an hotel business at Truckee, being also Deputy Sheriff of the county, 
under C. Gentry. Has been instrumental in several of the noted captures 
of both this and the State of Nevada, and to-day enjoys the confidence of 
the officials and his friends. In 1871 he established a brickyard in Val- 
lejo, many of the buildings of the city being manufactured from material 
off his premises. 

HARRIER, DANIEL W., Groceries. Born in Maryland, in 1834, but re- 
moved to Bedford county, Penn., with his parents when still very young. 
In March, 1852, he emigi-ated to Jefferson county, Iowa, leaving it in 
1854, for California ; he first settled in Sierra county in August of that 
year, and at once commenced mining operations. In 1861 he removed to 
Nevada City, Nevada county, and started a livery stable, at the same 
time running the stage and express line from that point through Lake 
City, North Bloomfield, Wolsey, Moore's Flat, and Eureka South, a dist- 
ance of thirty miles. In March, 1866, the subject of our memoir came to 
Vallejo, and taking charge of the Metropolitan Hotel (now the Sherman 
House) ; he remained its occupant for eighteen months. Seceding from 
the hotel, Mr. Harrier engaged in the occupation of stock buying, purchas- 
ing, also, in connection therewith, the butchering business, of John Burch- 
am. This transaction was effected on August 5th, 1868, and the above 
undertaking was carried on by him until the month of December, 1875. 
23 



354 THE HTSTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

On the 27th of January, 1879, he purchased the business of J. E. Willis- 
ton, in the premises now occupied by his groceiy store. D. W. Harrier is 
one of the leading men in the city. He was among those who started 
the Vallejo Bank, and was its President from 1876 to 1878. In 1873 
he was elected City Trustee, which office he held for two years ; served 
on the Board of Supervisors in 1876 ; and was enrolled a School Trustee 
in the fall of 1877. Mr. H. married March 5, 1865, Mrs. Sarah M. Walker, 
the daughter of John Lee of this city. Their children are, Lizzie R., 
Lewis G., Victor V., Jessie V., Daniel W., Maud, and Austin. 

HARVEY, HONORABLE JOEL AINSWORTH.— The subject of this me- 
moir was born on June 24, 1838, at Herkimer, in the county of that name, 
State of New York. His early days were passed on the slopes of the 
Hassancleaver Hills, and at the Fairfield Academy, New York, where he 
was grounded in that education whieli has, in after life, so well fitted him 
for the prominent positions which he has since maintained, with credit to 
all. In 1857 he left the Eastern States, and located in Elgin, Ills., which, 
after a residence of about two years, he left for California, in the spring 
of 1859, taking the route across the Plains, and arriving in the Golden 
State in the fall of that year, at Placerville. At the time the great 
Washoe excitements of 1860 were the talk of every one and stirred all 
into a phase of excitability, recalling the halcyon days of the earlier dis- 
coveries, he with the rest penetrated into Nevada, but not having a like 
fortune with others, he drifted back with the unlucky, and finally halted 
at Genoa, in Carson Valley, then the capital of Western Utah. 

When the Territory of Nevada was first organized, Mr. H. was ap- 
pointed Clerk of Douglas county, of which Genoa was the county seat, 
and retained the position, from term to term, until the first month of the 
year 1867. While retaining this i-esponsible office, he studied law with 
such success that he was admitted to its practice, and during the follow- 
ing year removed therefrom, and resided successively at San Francisco, 
Reno and Wadsworth, being employed at the latter place as agent for 
Wells, Fargo & Co., whence, in 1869, he was transferred to their Vallejo 
office. In 1871 Mr. Harvey organized the Vallejo and San Francisco Ex- 
press, the affairs of which he managed until 1874, when he was elected 
to the County Clerkship of Solano county, which distinguished position 
he held for two terms, and was then nominated by the Republican party 
for County Judge, but was defeated by the present holder, Judgfe John 
M. Gregory, Jr. In March, 1878, he resumed his practice at Vallejo, 
where he now resides. The honorable career of Mr. Hai^vey has thus far 
culminated in his being sent to the Convention, in June, 1878, as county 
delegate, he having received the largest majority of any delegate on the 
Republican ticket. He married August 13, 1863, Alameda L. Hub- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 355 

bard, at Carson City, Nevada, by whom he has one son and five daughters, 
viz : Joel H. ; Amanda L. ; Mary A. ; Inez A. ; Blanche L., and Maude F. 

HILBORN, THE HONORABLE S. G.— The subject of this sketch is a na- 
tive of Winot, Androscoggin county, Maine, having been born there on 
December 9, 1834. In early lire he and his brother, E. P. Hilborn, were left 
orphans, when the labor of working the home-farm devolved upon these 
two youths. In the meantime, E. P. Hilborn emigrated to California, in 
the midst of their agricultural pursuits, leaving his brother to attend to 
the farming business, and his education ; which, as the following record 
shows, was crowned with success for both, E. P. Hilborn being now a 
prominent grain merchant of Suisun. Mr. Hilborn received the elements of 
that education which has brought him into such prominence in California, 
first at Bethel Hill, Oxford county, Maine, and afterwards at Tuft's Col- 
lege, where he graduated in 1859 ; afterwards becoming principal in Oak 
Grove Academy, Falmouth, Maine, where he remained a year, at the end 
of which he entered the law office of the Hon. William Pitt Fessenden, at 
Portland, Maine, being admitted to the bar in 1861. In this year he emi- 
grated to California, arriving at San Francisco, via Panama, in the month 
of August of the same year. Having passed a few months in the office 
of Whitman & Wells, a legal firm of Suisun, he removed to Vallejo, and 
there establislied himself in the practice which he now enjoys. The Hon, 
S. G. Hilborn is a man of mark in his county, as his public record will 
show, while privately he is known to be worthy of the highest esteem 
and respect. Since his arrival in Vallejo he has iield, in order, the follow- 
ing places of trust and honor : City Attorney, in the year when it was 
incorporated ; a City Trustee for two terms ; Supervisor and Senator ; 
while his last work of distinction has been in connection with the Consti- 
tutional Convention, to which he was a delegate. Mr. H. has also prac- 
ticed his profession with marked ability, and has been retained in a large 
number of the leading and most intricate cases that have had their inci- 
pience in the county. He is President of the Vallejo Land Improvement 
Company, as well as a particij^ator in other schemes of a public and pri- 
vate nature. He married Lou E., second daughter of Caleb and Louisa 
Root, a native of Madison county, N. Y., in 1863, and has one child, 
Grace A. 

HOBBS, ISAAC, (deceased,) born in Sanford, Summerworth county, State 
of Maine, 27th November, 1821. In the yeai 1839 he left his birthplace 
and went to South Boston, but remained there only a short time. From 
there he proceeded to Great Falls, New Hampshire, where he worked at 
his trade, that of millwright, remaining there till 1844, when he went to 
to Glowchester, New Jersey, being employed in his own trade till the 



356 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

spring of 1847, when he went to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and set in opera- 
tion the machinerj' of several cotton mills in that place. In March, 1849, 
he started across the plains to California. On reaching Gila river, he, in 
company with three others, manufactured a " dug-out," and proceeded 
down the Pino river, calculating that the jouney would only occupy three 
days,"and laid in provisions accordingly, but they were twenty-one days 
on the trip, and on getting to their destination, found the rest of the 
the party had preceded them by eight days. Continued the journey to 
San Francisco, where they arrived in October, 1849. Mr. Hobbs, asso- 
ciated ^with some others, organized a company, and, going to Bodega 
erected a saw-mill, but at the time, lumber could be secured in San Fran- 
cisco^for the simple freight ; the mill was therefore not put in operation. 
He again returned to San Francisco and embarked in thebusiness of a house- 
carpenter, at sixteen dollars a day, wages. This was in the summer of 
18.50 ; in the^fall of that year he visited the southern mines and engaged 
in prospecting until the spring of 1852, at which time he began farming 
on the Feather river, but, contracting fever and ague, in the fall of the 
year he was obliged to abandon agriculture and return to San Francisco. 
In April, 1853, he returned to the Atlantic coast and his native home, and 
on May 31 of the same year married, at McConnellville, Ohio, Miss Sarah 
A. Maxwell, at the residence of her sister, Mi's. C. L. Barker ; she was 
born in Chester county. Pa., October 18, 1826. With his bride he returned 
to California via Panama, arriving in San Francisco November 5, 1853, 
when he once more commenced business as a house-builder, which he 
continued till 1855, when, with his family, he came to Vallejo and en- 
gaged as millwright, on Mare Island. In the fall of 1859 he moved to Eel 
river, Humboldt county,and began farming,and remained there till the sum- 
mer of 1861, when they returned to Solano county and located 160 acres of 
land, in section 34, township 4, range 3, on the Suscol ranch, but on March 3, 
1863, a bill was passed by Congress giving the land back to its original 
owner, (who claimed it under the Spanish grant,) when they were removed 
by the Sheriff of the county. Mr. H. then returned to Vallejo, in 1865, 
and was "elected Sheriff in 1869 for a term of two years. Once more Mr. 
Hobbs visited (in 1876) the'scenes of his youth, as well as the Centennial 
Exhibition, returning to Vallejo, but never again engaged in active busi- 
ness up to the time of his death, which occurred on February 12, 1878. 
He was a Mason of old and high standing, as also a member of the Val- 
lejo Pioneer Association. Their children are: Mary B., born at Vallejo 
April 17, 1857 ; Ida S., born April 7, 1859 ; Eunice Esther, born at Eel 
river, Humboldt county, February 26, 1861 ; Charles B., born in Sulphur 
Spring valley, Solano county, August 22, 1863 ; Heila Grace, born in Val- 
lejo, November 21, 1865, and Maxwell, born May 17, 1872. There are 
two infants deceased : George, bom August 17, 1855, and died July 27, 
1864 ; Isacc, born December 21, 1865, and died September 27, 1869. 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 357 



HUBBARD, JOHN E., retail dealer in domestic wines, cigars, etc., was 
born in Santiago, Chile, South America, in 1842, and in 1848 came with 
his parents to San Francisco, where his father opened the first brass 
foundry and coppersmith shop on the coast. Remained in San Francisco 
till 1852, when the family removed to Santa Clara county, the .subject of 
this sketch being sent to school there. In 1857 he accompanied his pa- 
rents back to Chile, and with them returned to California after a stay of 
two years in South America. In 1860 Mr. Hubbard proceeded to Santa 
Clara, and there was engaged by the firm of Hobich & Bros., general 
merchants, as clerk ; in 1862 he returned to San FraAcisco and entered 
the office of the Provost Marshal, continuing there till 1864, when he 
visited the Eastern States -with his father and sister. At the end of four- 
teen months he returned to California, and having resided for four months 
at Benicia, he went to San Jose, where he was employed for the best part 
of four years in the firms of T. W. Spring & Co., and N. Hayes. In 1869 
he once more visited San Francisco, where he was appointed a Deputy 
Sheriff. He visited Mexico and Oregon in 1870, and arrived in Vallejo 
in the fall of that year, after which he proceeded to Napa, Humboldt bay, 
the Sandwich Islands, and in 1871, returned to Vallejo, where he has 
since permanently resided. He opened his present business in February, 
1877. Is unmarried. 

HUBBS, THE HONORABLE PAUL K., (deceased), one of that class of 
Pioneers whose memory those who are left behind delight to honor, and 
who labored to bring the State of California into the proud position of 
being one of the foremost in the Union, was a descendant of another class 
of Pioneers, his ancestors being of that band of Quaker families who 
emigrated from England to America in Anno Domini 1650, and settled in 
RhcMe Island. He was born on March 27, 1800, near Woodstown, in 
Salem county. New Jersey, and received his schooling in Philadelphia, 
where he was well grounded in the necessary education of the period. 
Early in life Mr. Hubbs essayed work on a farm, which in a sketch of his 
life he describes thus : " My father again moving to the old homestead 
and requiring all possible help, I had to leave the old frame school- 
house, corner of Race and Juniper, and at eleven years old take charge 
of a team and go thiough a course of agricultural studies ; more health- 
ful I thought to the body than the mind. All the steam then that con- 
tributed to the plowing was raised from the person of man and horse- 
The reaping was done as in the time of Ruth. We shelled corn by hand 
across an iron bar and done flail threshing on rainy days, nor was our 
mowing accomplished by patent. Don't talk about good old times ; 
those wei-e weary days to the farmer — ^up before daylight to wade through 
snow and sleet and slush and rain and ice to prepare and donate feed for 



358 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

horses preparatory to a day's work, ending late in the evening. Yet the 
toil and hardship of the day gave us good appetites and sweet sleep 
preparatory to a renewal of the same lack of variety, save the change 
from storm to sunshine and from sunshine to storm, and from intense 
cold to man-melting heat. Thanks to Almighty God, the small com- 
munities of those days were strictly honest, with rare exception. The 
Bible and the newspaper were read with equal confidence in their truth." 
Mr. Hubbs did not long pursue farming as an occupation, for he shortly 
afterwards received a position in a wholesale dry goods store on No. 23 
North Front street, Philadelphia, and while there it happened that Judge 
Kinsay, after whom he had been named, had arrived in the city to pur- 
sue his professional practice, and at once took young Hubbs in hand, 
keeping him reading law or attending law courts during the evening. 
About this time he entered into his fii'st mercantile transaction on his 
own account. He had been noticed by the mate of a vessel trading to 
Poi'to Rico, who inquired how much capital he had at his disposal. The 
reply was " nine dollars." With this sum his friend advi.sed him to in- 
vest in twelve barrels of apples, which he did ; his goods were taken by 
the brig, and two months thereafter he found gazetted in the morning 
paper of Imports " 20 bags coffee to Paul K. Hubbs." From his extreme 
youth, then but 13 years, he had some difficulty in convincing the Cus- 
toms authorities of his honesty ; eventually, however, his produce was 
cleared, a position in the store was granted to him whereat he might dis- 
pose of his consignment, which he soon did, realizing the sum of S140, to 
him a fabulous outturn indeed. He was not carried away by this turn 
of Fortuna's wheel, however, for with the proceeds of this venture he in- 
vested still further, always attended with a reasonable profit. Mr. Hubbs 
next visited New York for the first time, on certain legal business, which 
place he reached by stage and steamer, the latter commanded by Cor- 
nelius Vanderbilt, with whom he had a little passage of words, which 
would appear to have made so deep an impression on the Captain that 
the point urged by Hubbs was gained. At this period the British were 
before Baltimore and Philadelphia was alarmed. Citizens were called 
upon to throw up breastworks over the Schuylkill and other defensible 
points in the construction of which he entered with the vigor of youth, 
and shortly aftei-, when on a collecting tour in Virginia, he saw the havoc 
of war and the ruins of houses and homesteads occasioned by the hos- 
tilities which then raged between the United States and the British. On 
his return, through the failure of the firm in which he had served, Mr. 
H. found himself out of employment, and after for a while sufl^ering the 
heartburnings and misery of seeking for work, answering advertisements 
and seeing his little ready coin dwindling into insignificance, he was 
taken into the counting-house of J. and M. Brown and M. D. Lewis, the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 359 

leading firm of Philadelphia, with whom he woi'ked as book-keeper 
and afterwards as cashier, and at the end of a lease of 
faithful service he was established by the firm, whose business 
had greatly increased, in a branch of the house situated on the 
south side of Market street, under the name of Paul K. Hubbs, in 
which he was admitted a partner, which in 1826, at the time of a great 
crisis, was dissolved by mutual consent, and the assets divided. As a 
proof of the marvelous uprightness and proper feeling of Mr. Hubbs, the 
following anecdote is taken from his note book : " Nicholas Biddle, then 
the great financial spirit of the United States, remarked one day to a 
coterie at the Exchange, as I passed, 'There goes the sharpest man of 
Market street!' I heard it, and it pained me. I sought almost imme- 
diately an interview and remarked, ' Mr. Biddle, you have ruined me ; I 
heard your remark as I passed ; we are all of us afraid of sharp men. 
Say that I am industrious and know my business, but don't, I pray you, 
ever call me sharp.' ' Well, Hubb.s,' said he, 'this only convinces me that 
I was right, but I am enlightened by the truism of your suggestion ! ' " In 
his manhood, though attending with strict devotion to the cares of his 
business, the subject of this sketch found time to take a part in the 
philantrophies of the time, which were then being largely cared for by 
Mathew Carey, a name which will remain engraven on the early history 
of Philadelphia as an advocate of American manufactures and home in- 
dustry generally. In 1827, Mr. H. erected the first calico print works in 
Pennsylvania at "The Lagrange," on the Pennepack near Bustleton, now 
the twenty-third ward of the city of Philadelphia, and in 1828 we find 
him acting as Secretary for " The Society of Internal Improvement 
of Pennsylvania," having associated with him Chief Justice Tilghman, 
Peter S. Duponceon, John Sergeant, John J. Borie, Charles J. Ingersoll, 
and five merchants who formed an active committee of ten. It was dif- 
ficult to obtain a Legislature willing to take hold of so vast an enter- 
prise. Mr. Hubbs thus describes a session where a startling innovation 
was mooted ; " The committee was assembled at the ' Indian Queen,' 
Fourth street, one evening. The sub-committee reported the situation 
above named. John Sergeant, (candidate for Vice-Pi-esident with Mr. 
Clay afterward), Chairman of Committee, in his seat and I at his side as 
Secretary. We were busy about details, when Mr. Ingersoll came in. 
He at once commenced : ' Mr. Chairman, I have a matter that I deem to 
be of great importance to the committee ; I think we can eclipse New 
York. I am reliably informed that tran.sportation can be successfully 
made at cheap rates by running wagons prepared for the purpose over 
parallel bars of iron. The experiment has been successfully tried at an 
Engli-sh colliery, reducing their expenses ttvo-thirds, with mere play for 
the horses. Let us apply.' Mr. Ingersoll!' ejaculated Mr. Sergeant from 



360 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

the chair, ' we are just completing our well laid plans of success in mak- 
ing a grand canal, and I hope you will not come here with your flights of 
fancy.' ' Well,' says Mr. IngersoU, 'dig your ditch, but I shouldn't be 
surprised to see it some day covered by parallel bars of iron.' This was 
the first I ever heard of railroads, and I took occasion to remark that 
' such a thing might do in England, but our Pennsylvania frosts would 
forbid it here.' We went on, and after wonderful log rollivg obtained a 
law and a canal and a final debt of $42,000,000 to Pennsylvania." In 
1830 he visited Europe, staying at many of the most picturesque spots in 
Great Britain, and happened to be in London at the time of the corona- 
tion of King William IV., which is thus amusingly described by Mr. 
Hubbs : " My bankei- was too late for Westminster Abbey, but obtained 
me a stand in a parlor nearly opposite St. James' Palace, whence the 
cavalcade would issue, and where the children of the Lord Mayor and 
myself could see everything of the move. The Duchess of Kent would 
not let little Vic, then some fourteen years old, go in the procession. 
Earl somebody, one of Billy's naturals, fixed up the whole matter, and 
Vic's place was not the right one, and she didn't ride then ; but she did 
afterward, God bless her ! William looked very like old General Cadwal- 
ader. The Queen had a square face and a princely Dutch nose indicative of 
bad humor. They shouted, 'Long live King William the Fourth!' I 
shouted, 'Hurrah for Billy Guelph ! ' I thought that was about the right 
sort of American manner, and let it out." After his sojourn in England, 
Mr. Hubbs crossed over to France wdth which he was much charmed, and 
after visiting many places of mark he once more sailed to America in the 
packet " Sally," commanded by Captain Pell, but as the voyage thither 
was undertaken solely for the purpose of bringing his wife to share with 
him the pleasures of sight-seeing, he once more sailed from American 
shores. The port of destination this time was Marseilles, through the 
Straits of Gibralter and up the Meditereanean, and again he landed 
in la belle France ; and on April 4, his son Anthony was born in Lyons ; 
and it was in this city that he received his first taste of Revolutionary 
France, in the year 1834. 
From this city, Mr. Hubbs made the tour of Europe. To follow him 
on, which is impossible, for want of .space ; and early in 1836 he took 
ship for home from Havre ; but encountering a hurricane in the English 
Channel, being saved from shipwreck on the rock-bound coast of Devon- 
shire, as it were, by a miracle, he landed in New York without further 
adventure, and proceeded thence to the home of his youth. The change 
found in Philadelphia after so protracted an absence was very marked. 
Men whom he had left struggling, he found in opulence ; while those who 
were at the top of the ladder of commercial and financial fame had suc- 
cumbed to make or mar no more. In 1837 Mr. Hubbs owned the Mil- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 361 

hausen Print Works, 'then located below the Navy Yard, in Philadelphia, 
which were destroyed in September, 1839, by fire, thiough mismanage- 
ment on the part of the fire company ; but with that rectitude of mind 
which has always characterized his dealings, and that persevei-ance which 
would stand no brooking, he paid ofl' every dollar lost by the fire, and 
bought in a large portion of the Pennypack Mills. Hereafter he took 
part in the politics of the State, which led him into much prominence, 
and in 1841 was elected Colonel of the Third Regiment, Pennsylvania 
militia, which had a share in the subduing of the fanaticism that culmi- 
nated in the church riots. In the midst of the great excitement of the 
retirement of Henry Clay, whom Col. Hubbs in his sketch, eulogizes in 
glowing terms, he was offered by Mr. Tyler, the Consulate at Paris, and 
subsequently by Mr. Polk, the like position at San Francisco, which he 
declined, for what were to him good and suflicient reasons ; and was pres- 
ent in Washington during the excitement of the declaration of war 
against Mexico. Mr. Dalles was then enthusiastic to procure ('alifornia 
as well as Oregon, then comprising what is now all west of the Missouri^ 
between 42 and 49 of latitude ; and it was when in the Capital that he 
was first introduced to General Winfield Scott, the veteran and accom- 
plished Chief of the American army. 
A new era now opened itself for Col. Hubbs. California had become 
the popular talk of the Eastern States ; he had read Emory's Notes on the 
country south from Salt Lake to California, and Fremont's Rocky 
Mountain and California campaign ; then came reports of gold, he, there- 
fore, for his star had not latterly been in the ascendant as regards finan- 
cial success, determined to emigrate, his first idea being to attempt the 
overland journey, which he agreed to undertake in company with his 
cousin, Ira Burdsall, Frank Tilford, a Mr. Wingate and Bryant, the 
author of " What I saw in California." Falling sick, however, this 
journey was given up by him, but, nothing daunted, he wound up his 
affairs, I'esigned his posts of honor, responsibility and trust and, notwith- 
standing inducements of a fiattering order being held out, he finally sailed 
for California on May 3, 1849, in the ship " Susan G. Owens," his wife 
and children accompanying him. His description of the scene on the 
wharf is full of pathos and teems with humane feeling, clothed in words 
which, though in prose, vie in interest with the immortal lives of Childe 
Harold's Farewell from the halls of his youth. The good ship, with its 
precious freight of human beings, proceeded on its journey and, with the 
exception of one or two disagreeables, incidental to a long sea voyage^ 
touched at Rio de Janiero and Valparaiso and arrived in San Francisco at 
noon, on October 12, 1849. The first impressions of (Jalifornian life are 
graphically described by his son, for Col. Hubbs did not live to finish the 
sketch, of his life with his own pen. In December, 1849, we find the 



362 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COUNTY. 

Colonel, along with his eldest son, en route to the San Jaoquin valley, 
finally reaching Stockton one week after leaving San Francisco. The 
description of the city of Stockton, as it then was, is worthy of being 
quoted : " The inhabitants were employed : some in gambling, others in 
prayer, and every diversity of occupation. Some of those who were the 
strongest advocates of temperance, when in the Eastern States, might 
here be seen dealing out liquor with greater vigor than all the others of 
the same profession. Shoemakers by trade would here be lawyers by 
occupation. The mud was knee-deep, and most of the inhabitants ap- 
peared as though they liked it too well to brush it off, and to wash their 
faces or comb the hair, that they considered was a once-a-month job." In 
this canvass cosmopolitan city, the Hubbs', father and son, purchased a 
camping outfit of frying-pan, bean-kettle, cofTee-pot, cups and plates of tin, 
butcher knife and other necessary impedimenta and started for the Stanis- 
laus river, which they reached on the second day, crossing at Hyslop's 
Ferry and camped at Texas Jack's ranch, where they were entertained by 
" Big Mouth Bill," " Three-fingered Jack," and others of like kith. Here 
he located 640 acres of land, three miles above Texas Jack's, opposite 
Cotton's Ferry, and named it Camp Washington, the ford being called 
Hubbs' Ford. These acres are now kno\vn as the rising town of Oakdale. 
Here a house of six feet square, composed of rushes, closed in on the 
eastern and southern sides, was erected ; and, though it did not keep out 
the wild beasts, with which the country then abounded, it served the 
necessary purpose of a shelter. These two carefully nurtured gentlemen 
here commenced the veritable hardships of a pioneer's life, trees com- 
menced to drop under their untiring axes, a vegetable garden was planted 
and then he sent for his wife and children and went to Stockton to re- 
ceive them, but the usually trim Colonel was scarcely recognizable in his 
slouch hat, grown beard and carelessly tied neck -handkerchief. The warm 
and affectionate heart still was there, however, and as proper arrange- 
ments as could be made in those days were perfected, and the family pro- 
ceeded to their home on the Stanislaus, Mi-s. Hubbs being the first white 
lady to cross its waters, where they were received with much joy by their 
eldest boy. So great a novelty was the appearance of a lady on the 
Stanislaus, that the news of her arrival spread like wild-fire, and she was 
visited by hundreds of rough looking miners who, notwithstanding their 
uncouth exterior, held soft and warm hearts within, and would feel quite 
homesick in the presence of the fair gentlewoman. While he lived in 
Tuolumne county, which then swarmed with horse thieves, assassins and 
outlaws, their house was often the haven where the outraged traveler 
sovight protection, which was always obtained, while in the sketch from 
which this memoir is conden.sed, we gather that that desperado, Joaquin 
Murietta, was, under an assumed name, a constant visitor at his house ; 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 363 

judge of the surprise on recognizing the head of the outlaw as the same 
individual who had so often petted his children and partaken of his 
hospitality. 
In 1850, Colonel Hubbs entered public life in California, as Alcalde, or 
Justice of the Peace, for Tuolumne ; and, in the following year, he was 
elected to the Senate, by the Democratic Jiarty from Tuolumne county, 
and, in December, 1851, he with his family arrived at Vallejo, then the 
State Capital, ready to enter upon his Senatorial duties. Col. Hubbs fol- 
lowed the fortunes of the Legislature on its cruises in search of a perma- 
nent location ; he fought hard against every bill which favored the removal 
of the capital, as he considered it an unnecessary expense to the State. 
To him is the credit due of introducing the Bill entitled " Providing 
Revenue for the support of the Government of this State," one of the 
most popular bills of the time, although it had some enemies. He was also in 
connection with the Honorable Frank Soule, the framer of the bill which 
was enacted and which formed the basis of the existing laws encourag- 
ing the system of education for the young at general expense, which is 
so great a pride to the State. Col. Hubbs was President, pro tern,., of the 
Senate, and, while occupying the Chair of that body, performed an act 
for which, to this day, the citizens of San Francisco feel grateful, for 
having saved much to her, as also it did to the State, when the first of 
the bulkhead scheme's bill came up on its final passage. His was the 
casting vote which was given in favor of the city of San Francisco and 
against the project of throwing the whole water front of that city into 
the hands of speculators. Colonel Hubbs was one of the most industri- 
ous of Senators, he worked earnestly in the cause of education, for which 
he was afterwards rewarded by being placed at the head of the Educa- 
tional Department, State Superintendent of Public Instruction ; but it is 
not only in this sphere alone in which he shone, the Acts he laid before 
the House are too numerous to mention in this place, suffice it to say that 
they were all devised for the benefit of the State. He had at heart the 
design to enact just and wholesome legislation, that served alike for the 
best interest of the agriculturist as well as the miner ; while he had the 
forethought to make the foundation for the preparatory necessities of the 
large influx of population which afterwards found its way to the shores 
of California. During his tenure of office as State Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, the number of schools in the State, in three years, in- 
creased from twenty to three hundred and sixteen, while the advance in 
attendance was from three thousand three hundred and fourteen to 
twenty-six thousand one hundred and sixty. Many of his friends desired 
to renominate him for a second term, while others wished that he should 
become a candidate for the United States Senate, both of which he de- 
clined, favoring an intimate friend, Andrew J. Moulder, to be his successor. 



364 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

At the death of his wife, which took place on September 30, 1856, Colonel 
Hubbs retired from public life and, having visited Puget Sound, he set- 
tled at Port Townsend, Washington Territory, following his profession of 
attorney and counsellor at law ; he succeeded in building up a large prac- 
tice and was known throughout the Territory as one of its most eminent 
lawyers and statesmen. In 1860, he was elected to the Territorial 
Council, representing the counties of Jefferson, Claim Island and What- 
com. In the following year he was chosen President of the Council and, 
in 1866, he was prominently spoken of as a probable candidate for 
Congress ; business, however, called him to California, and he ultimately 
located at Vallejo. While a resident of this city, he was one of its mov- 
ing spirits, he occupied many positions of trust ; to him is due, in a great 
measure, the establishment of an Episcopal Church in Vallejo. On Tues- 
day, November 17, 187-i, at noon, he was, to all appearances, well, shortly 
after he was taken ill, and at five minutes to two, in the afternoon of that 
day, he died, honored by all ; respected by all ; loved by all, and without 
an enemy. 
Colonel Hubbs married Miss Eliza Hedelius, in 1830, daughter of Capt. 
Hedelius, who fought with Paul Jones on the Bon Homme Richard, to 
join whom he ran away from an English University. They leave Paul 
Kinsey, born near Nashville, Tennessee, on September 20, 1832. He is 
now a resident of Washington Territory. Anthony was born in Lyons, 
April 4, 1832 ; is now book-keeper in the State Controller's oflice at Sac- 
ramento ; Virginia, born in 1841 ; Charles Henry, born September 17, 
1843, now of Vallejo. In 1857 Col. Hubbs married secondly Margaret 
Gilchrist, at Benicia, by whom he had Bayard Ingersoll, born October 19, 
1858, and Helen May, born May, 1862. 

HUBBS, CHARLES H., third son of the Hon. Paul K. Hubbs, was born in 
Pennyi^ack, now a portion of the City of Philadelphia, on September 17, 
1843, and accompanied his parents, in the ship " Susan G. Owens," leav- 
ing Philadelphia May 3d, and arriving in San Francisco October 12, 1849- 
He first attended Doctor Vermehr's school, then the only one in that city. 
During the legislative sessions of 1852 and 1853 was Page of the Assem- 
bly, being Chief Page in the latter year, with Virgil C. Bartlett and Wil- 
liam Fosbender as assistants. During these sessions he received ten dol- 
lars 3, day as compensation, and out of the salary saved, a sum of twenty- 
five hundred dollars, which was invested for him by his father, the inter- 
est paying for his schooling and other necessaries. Was educated at the 
Collegiate Institution, Public School, and High School of Benicia, and in 
1857 entered the telegraph service as messenger in the Benicia ofiice. During 
the fall of the year he came to Vallejo, for the purpose of instructing W. 
W. Chapman in the art of telegraphy, and in April, 1858, when the 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 365 

Northern Telegraph was being constructed from Maiysville to Yreka, by 
Messrs. Strong and Hubbai-d, he accepted a position on that line, being 
the first operator at Tehama, where he taught Charles Harvey. While 
there was promoted to be Chief Operator on the line. From thence he 
proceeded to Horsetown, where he was preceptor in telegraphy to Judge 
James N. Eby, and after Frank W. Blake at Weaverville, Trinity county, 
whence he returned home, having resigned his position. He next went 
to Shaw's Flat and there received propositions to proceed to Napa to 
open the office of the line which was being extended from Vallejo to that 
city. This he, however, only held for a few weeks, when he was called 
bv his father to accompany him to Washington Territory. In 1865, when 
, James Gamble, the General Superintendent, was extending telegraphic 
communication from California through Oregon and Washington Terri- 
tory, to meet the Collins' line, which was proposed should cross at Behr- 
ings Straits to Asia, Mr. Hubbs again entered the telegraph service, and 
was appointed agent at the Swinomish station, which was the office where 
all the business between the offices north of that station had to be repeated. 
In 1868 he was transferred to Fort Vancouver, and here purchased a book- 
store, which business he followed, in conjunction with that of telegraphy 
and photography. In 1869 he sold out his book-store and proceeded to 
Stockton, Sacramento, and Marysville, in the employ of the Western 
Union Telegraph Co., when, in October, 1870, he was installed as Manager 
of the Vallejo office. 

In 1875 Mr. Hubbs was appointed a Notary Public by His Excellency 
Governor Irwin, and reappointed in 1877. In the following year he was 
selected by Governor Robinson Commissioner of Deeds for New York. 

In 1876 he was elected a member of the Board of Education for Val- 
lejo Township, and took strong grounds against excessive taxation and in 
favor of promoting the advancement of the educational interests of Val- 
lejo, which was appreciated by his con.stituents, who re-elected him, giv- 
ing him the largest vote of any candidate who had opposition for office. 

HUNTER, JAMES — Is a native of Ireland, but of Scotch parentage, who 
had moved to the place of his nativity a few years previous to his birth, on 
March 27, 1827. In 1840 his parents emigi-ated to America, settling near 
Cedar Rapids, Linn county, Iowa ; where James was educated in the com- 
mon schools. On May 1, 1849, Mr. Hunter and his brother left Iowa City, 
Iowa, crossed the Plains, arrived at Lawson's rancho on the 23d of Octo- 

■ ber following. During that winter he prospected for gold at Bidwell's 
Bar, and meeting with fair success, but left the place the following spring, 
going to Feather River, where hi.s mining operations were more remune- 
rative. In 1851 he located on the southeast branch of Feather River, but 
in the fall of that year moved to Shasta county, Cal., and was the pro- 



366 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

prietor of a feed and sale stable. From here he came to Vallejo to-miship, 
settling on his present farm in the Suscol hills. Here he owns 844 acres 
of fertile valley land, and in Mendocino county 3,500 acres, as well as a 
saw-mill and store. 

From the foregoing it will be seen that the subject of this sketch is 
connected, by direct descent, with the best Scottish blood, and came hon- 
estly by the virtues which have characterized and advanced his private 
life. He was never actively engaged in politics, but during his long resi- 
dence and business career in this county, is regarded as an excellent citi- 
zen, a quiet, energetic business man, enjoying the marked i-espect and 
esteem of his neighbors and friends. 

Married, by the Rev. Pierpoint, Presbyterian minister, at Petaluma, 
Sonoma county, Cal., Miss Celia, daughter of Samuel C. Stewart, on Oct. 
25, 1858. James William, born Aug. 5, 1859, Flora J. born Aug. 16, 1861, 
Sai'ah A. born Ajiril 20, 1863, Harry S. born Feb. 4, 1873, Alena Maud 
born Sept. 12, 1875, are their living children. Maggie Bell, born Oct. 12, 
1865, died April 1, 1877; Frank Guss, born Jan. 27, 1868, died March 22, 
1877; John Calvin, born Sept. 19, 1870, died March 23, 1877. These 
children died of small pox. 

JEFFERIS. P. E.— Born in Chester county, Pa., in the year 1828, where 
he remained till 1S46, having learned the trade of carpenter at Union, in 
that county. He then removed to Wilmington, Delaware, and having 
I'esided there for eighteen months went to Philadelphia and engaged in 
the dry goods business until 1851, when he came to California, arriving in 
San Francisco on February 8, 1852. In that year lie went to Nevada 
county, and for eighteen mouths prosecuted mining, at the end of which 
he returned to Philadelphia and embarked in the furnitui'e business, con- 
tinuing it up to the spring of 1854, when he once more sailed for Califor- 
nia. On his arrival he proceeded to Sierra county, leaving it in the fol- 
lowing summer for Nevada county, where he commenced the livery busi- 
ness, which he prosecuted for about fourteen years. On February 8, 1869, 
he visited Vallejo, but it was not till May, 1870. that he permanently 
settled in that city, when he obtained employment on Mare Island Navy 
Yard, at which he was engaged till 1874, when he received the appoint- 
ment of Foreman House- Joiner, in the Department of Yards and Docks, 
a position which he still holds. Mr. Jefferis married in Philadelphia, on 
September 26, 1854, Sarah, daughter of John Hinecle, of that city, by 
whom he has Ida Florence ; Lizzie H. ; Mary L. ; and Enos P. 

JONES. REV. EDWARD INSKIP, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 
3, 1844, and came to San Francisco inMay, 1850, where he attended the Pub- 
lic Schools, continuouslj', till May, 1856. He accompanied his parents to 



THE HISTORY OF SOI.ANO COUNTY. 367 

San Jose, in 1862, whither they had gone to farm. Mr. Jones attended 
the " University of the Pacilic." at Santa Clara, and tanght .school over 
two years, at intervals, between 1862 and 1867. Had ministry in view, 
and made preparations, while at college and during his teachings, but 
began the study of law in May, 1867, at San Francisco. Was admitted 
to the Supreme Court of California in April, 1870, and practiced in that 
city till September, 1871, at which time he joined the California Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Was appointed to Ferndale, 
September, 1871 ; to Eureka, September, 1873, and to Vallejo, Septem- 
ber, 1876. Mr. Jones married October 8, 1876, Theresa I., daughter of 
A. F. Broderick, of Eureka, Humboldt county, who was born in Colches- 
ter, Nova Scotia, on March 1, 1861, by whom he has one child, Broderick, 
born February 14, 1878. 

KENNEDY. JOHN E., general merchandise, insurance agent and notary 
public, was born in the county of Kerry, in Ireland, in 1833. In 1849 he 
emigrated to America, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1854 he 
arrived in California, and in 1856 proceeded to Mare Island. Two 
years later he returned to Boston on a visit, but came back the same year. 
In 1867 his present business was first established, and he was enrolled a 
notary public in 1876. Mr. Kennedy was the first assessor after Vallejo 
received its charte'-; while he is agent for the Imperial of London, London 
of London, Northern of Liverpool, and Queen of Liverpool fire insurance 
companies, with aggregate cash assets of $38,000,000. In 1863 he married 
Catherine, daughter of John Deermy, of County Tyrone, Ireland, who 
was born in 1843, by whom he has no issue. 

KITTO, SAMUEL, is a native of Cornwall, England, having been born 
there on April 19, 1830. In 1851 he came to San Francisco, in the ship 
"Fairlie," of London. On his arrival he at once proceeded to Rich Bar, on 
the North Fork of Feather River, and began mining, remaining there till 
1858, when he paid a visit to Old England, being absent for eight months. 
He returned to his mining interests in 1859; after which he came to 
Vallejo, where he has since resided. Mr. Kitto has been a trustee of the 
M. E. Church .since 1869; is also a prominent mover in the Temperance 
cause, in which he has always taken a deep interest. In 1873 he was 
elected one of the trustees of the Good Templars' Home for Orphans, a 
position which he still holds. He married in Vallejo, May 9, 1861, Miss 
Margaret Carter, a native of Ireland, by whom he has Margaret Loftee, 
born April 5, 1862; Edward August, born May 29, 1864; Harriet Eliza- 
beth, born November 27, 1865; Samuel Henry, born October 10, 1868; 
and Lilian May, born April 30, 1873. 



368 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

KLINK, REV. NATHANIEL B., pastor First Presbyterian Church, Vallejo, 
was born in the townhsip of New Scotland, county of Albany, State 
of New York, on February 5, 1823. His early education was ob- 
tained in the public schools. He spent three years in the Albany Acade- 
my, when Dr. T. Romeyn Beck was principal, and entered Union College 
in 1845, and graduated July 26, 1847. In the Fall of 1848 he entered 
the Theological Seminary of Princeton, and graduated from that institu- 
tion in May, 18.51. From this latter seminary he went directly to Oneida 
Valley, where he passed one year in missionary labor. Thence he moved 
to West Galway, Saratoga County, where he remained until June, 1853, 
when he was called to the Presbyterian Church of Balston Spa, where he 
was ordained and installed as pastor. Resigned this charge in 1855, and 
was then called to the Presbyterian Church in Fairmount, Huntendon 
County, New Jersey, remaining there until December, 1859, when he re- 
signed this charge and came to California. He arrived in San Francisco 
with his family on December 26, 1859, but, remaining there only a few 
days, at once proceeded to Vallejo, where he has since resided, with the 
exception of one year and three months, w'hen he was acting-pastor of the 
Presbyterian Chiu'ch of Sacramento. Mr. Klink married, in 1853, Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Timothy Seymour, a deacon in the North Dutch Church, 
Albany, New York, by whom he has a family. 

KLOPPENBURG, DANIEL WILLIAM, was born in Hanover, Germany, 
November 16, 1822, where he remained till 1840, when he came to 
America, first settling in New York City. Here he I'emained till August, 
1846, and then joined Colonel Stevenson's regiment, which was bound for 
California, but was persuaded by his brother not to proceed with it. On 
August 2, 1846, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in partnership with his 
brother opened a .saloon in that city, which he continued till April 2, 
1849, when he sailed for California, in the steamer "Lewis," of Cincinnati, 
for St. Louis, Missouri, and thence went to St. Joseph, Missouri, in com- 
pany with three men who were to be his companions across the plains. 
On arriving at St. Joseph, however, the party broke up and their impedi- 
mento sold at auction. Mr. K. reserved to himself one mule, and, having 
purchased a horse, using the mule as a pack animal, started on horseback 
to cross the plains to California alone. After three days' travel he over- 
took a party of Bostonians, and kept in their company until he reached 
Fort Laramie. Here the whole cavalcade converted their train into one 
for pack animals, setting fire to the wagons, with such articles as could 
not be conveniently taken with them, and again started on their journey, 
he traveling with them till they made Smith's trading post on Bear 
River, where, seceding from the party, he proceeded alone to Green River, 
Indian Territory. While pursuing his solitary ride he was taken seriously 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 369 

ill, and for three days lay in the sage-brush. Fortunately he soon re- 
covered, and finding his animals had not strayed from his vicinity, he 
once more was on the move, and when nearing the fifty mile desert 
at the Sink of the Humboldt River he fell in, liy chance, with a single 
traveler from St. Louis. With him he crossed the weary waste, the two 
keeping company till they reached the Golden State. 

Mr. Kloppenburg first began mining at Wever Creek, near Hangtown 
(now Placerville), where he continued for a short time, and then went to 
Sacramento, and there remained till the Spring of 18.50, when he moved 
to Marysville; from thence to Rough and Ready mines, in Nevada County, 
and here engaged in mining with good success till 1851, when he returned 
to Marysville and entered into partnership with a Mr. Kennedy, in the 
bakery business. In the Fall of 1851 he went to Greenwood Valley, El 
Dorado County, and pursued mining operations till the Spring of 1852, 
when, in company with others, he took up a claim at Spanish Bar, on the 
American River, where he worked till driven away by the rainy season. 
He again commenced the bakery business at Spanish Bar Bi-idge, which 
he continued till early in 1853, at which time he went to Michigan Bluffs, 
in Placer County, and established a like connection at that place, continu- 
ing it till 1856, when he left for San Francisco. In the Summer of 1857 
Mr. K. proceeded to Sacramento, where, on August 3, 1857, he married 
Margaret A. Harrison. He then returned to Michigan Bluffs, bought back 
his former business, and in connection with it opened a hotel, which he 
carried on till 1867, during which time his establishments were twice 
burned. In this year the subject of this sketch returned to San Fran- 
cisco and started a grocery, which he managed till 1868, when he removed 
to South Vallejo, and engaged principally in the draying business. Mr. 
Kloppenburg is a member of the Vallejo Pioneer Association, and of the 
Naval Lodge of F. and A. M., No. 83. His children are Annie, Otto and 
William, and two deceased — Eddie and Etta. 

LAMONT, JAMES A., born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1842, July 9th, 
where he resided for the first six years of his life, after which he was 
taken by his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, and remained there 
two years, thence moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and afterward to Boone 
county, Kentucky, where he resided for five years. Came to this county 
with his parents in 1854, where he engaged in farming for several years. 
In 1865 Mr. Lamont graduated at the Benicia College and Law School, 
and was admitted to the bar, practiced in Napa and Grass Valley, Nevada 
county, for a year and a half, when he returned to Nashville, to wind up 
the estate of his parents, remaining there three years. In 1869 he re- 
turned, and in September of the following year purchased the interest of 
J. E. Williston, and became partner in the firm of Egery & Lamont. He 
24 



S70 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

married, in San Fmncisco, January 17, 1878, Miss Sara ]>. Bariy, a native 
of New York, who was born in December, 1853, by whom he has one son, 
James Bairy. 

MALLETT, GEO. F., Assistant Naval Constructor. Bom in the town of 
Topsham, Linoohi county, Maine, October 23, 1832, where he remained 
until 1849. He learned his trade, that of shipwright, at Bath, Maine, 
where he remained until October, 1856, when he emigrated west and set- 
tled in Berlin, Wis., i-emaining there twenty months, when he returned 
East, and on June 5, 1858, he sailed from New York, on the steamer 
" Moses Taylor," to the Isthmus, where he took the steamer " John L. 
Stejihens," arriving in San Fi-aiicisco June 28th of the same year, follow- 
ing his trade in San Francisco and Beuicia until November 20, 1861, at 
which time he came to Mare Island, and on March 14, 1870, he was ap- 
pointed Foreman Shipwright, when, on January 22, 1872, he was ap- 
pointtHi Assistant Naval Constructor, which position he still holds, giving 
satisfaction to all. Mr. Mallett mai-ried his fii-st -vs-ife, Mary D. Hilton, in 
Bath. Maine, Januaiy 29, 1854. She was born in Maine in 1826, and 
died July 26, 1859. Man-ied his present -wife, Mary E. Speck, February 
22, 1863, b}- whom he has Mary E., born April 24, 1864 ; Lena B., Ixira 
August 13, 1867, and died Dec*nuber 28, 1877 ; Carrie W., born Mai'ch 31, 
1869 ; George ¥., born Sept<?mber 19, 1872 ; Levi C, liorn July 26, 1874, 
and Williiuu H., born September 25, 1876. Mi-. Mallett is a member of 
the F. and A. M. Loilge. No. 87, and also Past Master of same institution, 
as well as Past High Priest of the Naval Chapter. He was appointed to 
select the Masonic Cemetery, and has very prominently identified him- 
self with other ordei-s. 

MUCH, U, S. N., GEO. W., the Naval ConsUuctor at Mare Island, is a 
native of Philadelphia, Pa., and born on 22d June, 1825. Here he re- 
ceived his primary education in the common schools, and his academical 
learning at the Stockdale Academy. Here, also, he learned and became 
proticient in tlie ship-carpenter's trade. In 1846 he went to New Orleans, 
thence do^vn to the swamj>s of Louisiana, cutting live oaks for ship tim- 
Wn-s. For two yews he followed this pui-suit, then returned to Philadel- 
phia, where he married, in November, 1848, Miss Eleanor W., daughter of 
Geoi-ge \V. Barn, formerly of Maryland. Alx)ut this time he went into 
business — pertaining to his trade — on his o^vn account, which he con- 
tinued, at intervals, until 1858, when he was employed in the Na\'y Yaixl 
as foi-emau of tlie consti-uction department. On May 17, 1866, went into 
tlie regular naval ser%-ice, and appointed Assistant Naval Consti'uctor ; at 
the same time received oidere to report at Chariest own Na^y Yard, 
Boston, Mass. In 1869 returned to Philadelphia Na\y Yjud, where he 



THE nrSTORY OB' SOLANO COUNTY. 371 

remained until April 15, 1871, when he was promoted Naval Constructor, 
and repaired to the Washington Navy Yard. Came to Marc Island Navy- 
Yard in June, 1873, where he has been an able and efficient officer, at 
the head of the Construction Department. 

MACDONALD, REV. DAVID F., D. D., Rector of the Church of the Ascen- 
sion, Vallejo, is a native of Rosshire, Scotland, having been born there 
in the year 1837. He received his early education in Inverness, the capi- 
tal of the Highlands, and thereafter prosecuted his studies at the Edin- 
burgh Univei'sity, at which seat of learning he received the degree of 
Master of Ai-ts. In 1854 he was sent with Letters Dismissary by the Lord 
Bishop of Moray and Ross, the present Primate of the Scottish Episco- 
pacy, to the Bishop of California, and arrived in that State in September, 
1855, and was, shortly after, ordained by Bishop Ingraham Kip in the old 
Trinity Church, in San Francisco, his being the first Episcopal ordination 
held on the Pacific Coast. 

In the following year he was directed by the Bishop to assume charge of 
the missionaiy district of Bcnicia, where he performed service in a tem- 
porary building fitted up for the purpose. While there Doctor MacDon- 
ald was the spiritual adviser of Beverly Wells, the first criminal hanged 
in Solano county. From Benicia he was moved to Coloma, El Dorado 
county, where he continued his missionary labors for two years, and built 
a church, and established a congregation at Hangtown (now Placerville). 
In 1859 he was called, as Rector, to St. John's Church, Stockton, where 
he labored for two years further, and, on the breaking out of the war, he 
proceeded to North Carolina, and followed the fortunes of the Southern 
army, until peace was declared. At this period he was the recipient of a 
call to St. James', Olean, Western New York, where he remained three 
years, and from there was called to Sag-Harbor, Long Island, having 
charge of the Episcopal Church there for seven years. In 1875 he went 
to Sharon, Conn., and, at the end of two years, assumed charge of Baxter 
County School, Arkansas, for one year ; he then went to Dardanelles, in 
that State, where he erected St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he was 
Rector until 1878, when he accepted a call to the Church of the Ascen- 
sion at Vallejo. Was created a Doctor of "Divinity in 1859. Dr. Mac- 
Donald married, first, in 18G5, Nellie, only daughter of Daniel Judd, of 
Hinsdale, Western New York, who died in 1869, by whom he has Flora, 
born in 1860 ; and Katie, born in 1869. He married, secondly, at Trinity 
Church, New York, August 13, 1874, Susannah, daughter of George W. 
Whitaker, of the Manor, Oxford, England. 

McCUDDEN JAMES, dealer, in wood, coal, lumber and groceries, was born 
in the county of Fermanagh, in Ireland, in 1837, and arrived in the United 



372 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

States in 1853, first settling in the city of New York, where he remained 
some years, when he came to California, in 1857. In 1861 he opened the 
Union Hotel in Vallejo, remaining its proprietor for ten years. In 1874 
his present bu.siness was established, and two years afterwards he first 
started in the lumber trade. Mr. McCudden is one of Vallejo's most hon- 
ored citizens ; his election t6 the Board of Supervisors in 1877 proving 
the estimation in which he is held. 

McDERMOTT, ROBERT, boi-n in Ireland in 1841, and came to America 
in 1842 with his parents, who settled in Lower Canada, where they re- 
sided till 1848, when they moved to Upper Canada. In 1859 he crossed 
to the United States, and took up his residence in McComb county, Mich- 
igan, remaining there till 18G0. In April of this year he enlisted in Co. 
A., Ninth U. S. Infantiy, and was stationed in the Detroit Recruiting 
district for some time, when he went to the North Pass of the Rocky 
mountains, where he got his discharge under the Minor's Act. He re- 
mained in that section of the country till the fall of 1863, when he again 
enlisted in the First Oregon Infantry, and served till the end of the war. 
Arrived in Vallejo in June, 1867, and purchased the one-half interest of 
F. O'Grady, in the Empire Soda Works. Married April 19, 18G9, Catha- 
rine Monaghan, a native of Ireland. 

McDonald, T. p., bom in Calena, Joe Davies county, Illinois, March 21, 
1850, and in 1857 moved with his parents to Nevada county, California, 
where he remained till 1867, when he came to Vallejo, and entered into 
the employment of E. McGettigan, in the wholesale liquor business, until 
1875, when he became clerk at the Howai-ds, filling that position till Sep- 
tember, 1878, when he formed his present partnership with James Ward. 
Mr. McDonald has been a member of the Vallejo Rifles since 1869; held 
the office of Second Lieutenant for four years, and was promoted to be 
First Lieutenant in May, 1877. 

McDonald, WILLIAM, bom in Frostburg, Alleghany Co., Maryland, in 
1850, and moved with his parents to California in 1854, first settling in 
San Francisco, where they remained three months, and then accompanied 
them to Vallejo. In 1867 he began an apprenticeship in the bricklayer's 
department in the Mare Island Navy Yai'd, where he was employed till 
elected City Marshal by the Republican party in 1878. Mr. McDonald's 
father died in Vallejo, Sept. 19th, 1875 ; his mother is still living, how- 
ever, and makes her home with him. He married. May 29th, 1870, Miss 
Mary Brown, by whom he has two children : Amelia, bom April 8, 1871, 
and William, born February 10, 1875. 



f 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 373 



McGETTIGAN, EDWARD, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, March 
20, 1840, and emigrated to America in 1856, arriving in New York in 
January, 1857. He at once removed to Philadelphia, where he sojourned 
one year, at the end of which he sailed, via Panama, for San Francisco, 
arriving there in June, 1858. He lost no time, but went to the moun- 
tains and engaged in mining in Butte county. In May, 1859, he located 
in Vallejo. In 1862 he established the Vallejo Brewery in company with 
A. Murray and James McGarvey, but sold out his interest in 1865. 
Shortly after this date he opened the Emjpire Soda Works. In 1874, the 
Vallejo Brewery was in the market ; he therefore purchased it, changing 
its name to the Pioneer Brewery, after having first rebuilt and refurnished 
it. 

To Mr. McGettigan, aided by General Frisbie, is due the building of the 
street-car railroad in Vallejo, whereby real estate was improved to the 
extent of many thousands of dollars, enhancing thereby the condition of 
many of the poorer class of citizens. He was twice elected to fill the re- 
sponsible position of City Trustee ; how well he discharged the duties of 
that office, the records of the corporation can truly attest ; and as one of 
the Directors of the Saving and Commercial Bank, his true honesty is best 
told by the valuable services rendered in placing that institution upon a 
sound and solid basis, rendering that aid, which the general crash de- 
manded, by surrendering the earnings of twenty years' toil to meet his 
obligations and perpetuate his honor and integrity as a man and a worthy 
citizen. Mr. McGettigan is also largely interested with General J. B. 
Frisbie in the following mines in New Mexico: Consolidated Hidalgo, 
and Esperanza Consolidated, ventures which bear every promise of being 
both valuable and fruitful. He married in 1864, Miss Mary A. O'Grady. 

McINNIS, J. A., (grocer) was born in Prince Edwards Islands on March 
4, 1838, where he remained till 1855, being raised on a farm ; emigrated 
to Boston, Mass., in 1855, and engaged in working at different occupations 
till June 7, 1857, at which time he joined the U. S. Navy as a marine 
and was stationed at the Charleston Navy Yard, making a cruise on the 
TJ. S. " Merrimac " to the South Pacific Squadron ; stationed there till 
1860 ; returned to Norfork, Virginia, and was transferred to Charlestown 
Navy Yai'd, Mass.; remained on duty as a non-commissioned officer till 
September, 1861 ; transferred to headquarters, Washington, D. C, and 
joined the Marine Batallion, under Major John G. Rejmolds, and joined 
the expedition under Commodore Dupont and General W. T. Sherman, 
which left Handon Rose, Virginia, for Port Royal, South Carolina, from 
which port they sailed in October following on the Ship Transport 
" Governor." On this voyage, while off Cape Hatteras, they encountered 
a terrible hurricane, the steamer being wrecked in the gale, losing one 



374 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



Corporal and six privates, and, after thirty-six hours, without food or 
drink, the battalion was picked up by the U. S. S, " Sabine." On 
arriving at Port Royal, the fleet, under Commodore Dupont, bomb'arded 
Fort Beauregard and Fort Walker; silenced their batteries, and General 
Sherman's forces and the Marine Battalion landed and took possession of 
the forts; remained there on duty till February, 1862; joined an expedi- 
tion, fitted out at Port Royal, under General Cushman and Dupont, and 
proceeded to Ferendino, Florida. On arriving there the rebels deserted 
the fort and batteries, and a portion of the army was landed and took 
possession of the town, fort, and batteries. The expedition then pro- 
ceeded to St. Augustine, Florida. On arriving, the rebels retreated, and 
a portion of the army landed and took possession of the town, fort, and 
batteries. Returned to headquarters at Washington, D. C, remainino- 
there off duty till December 1, 1862 ; proceeded then under orders to 
Brooklyn, New York, and joined a command under Major A. C. Garland 
and proceeded by steamer for Mare Island Navy Yard, California. While 
en route from New York to Aspinwall on the passenger steamer " Ariel," 
she was captured and made prisoner by the Confederate States 
" Alabama," (Captain Semmes). AJl the command were made prisoners of 
war, their armor equipment and military stores being captured and 
taken on board of the "Alabama." After twenty-six hours Captain 
Jones of the "Ariel " signed a bond to the Captain of the "Alabama," and 
was relieved and proceeded on their passage to Panama, and arrived at 
Mare Island Navy Yard, California, December 28, 1862. Detailed on 
ser%ace at San Francisco till 1864 ; stationed at Marine BaiTacks, Mare 
Island, as First Sergeant till June, 1876, when he left the service and 
engaged in the grocery business in Vallejo. Mr. M. was elected one of 
the city Trustees in March, 1878, an office which he now holds. 

Mcknight, Andrew, block and pump maker, was born in Liverpool. 
England, February 11, 1825, where he served his apprenticeship under 
George Roberts. In July, 1848, he sailed from that port to America, and 
arrived in upper Canada in October; in the succeeding year removing to 
New York, which he left for California in February, 1860, arriving in 
San Francisco March 14th of that year. In June, 1861, he located in 
Vallejo, where he has since resided, being employed principally on the 
Mare Island Navy Yard. Mr. McKnight married in New York, Septem- 
^ber 30, 1852, Miss Mary Crawford, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, 
by .whom he has Anch-ew J., born in Brooklyn, New York, September l] 
1853 ; Richard, bom October 13, 1855 ; Mary A. C, born November 19* 
1857, married to Georgo W. McGill, of Vallejo ; Joseph Thomas, born in 
San Francisco, April 19, 1861, and died April 16, 1862; Elizabeth, born 
in Vallejo, April 16, 1863 ; Agnes, born March 25, 1866, and Samuel 
James, born October 2, 1870. 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 375 

Mcknight, Andrew J., was bom in Brooklyn, New York, September 
1, 1853, and, with his parents, came to California in 1859, residing first 
in San Francisco. In June, 1861, he accompanied them to Vallejo, where 
they are now located. Mr. McKnight holds the office of Deputy Marshal 
of the city of Vallejo. He is unmarried. 

McLEOD, JOHN C, was born in Inverness, the Capital of the High- 
lands of Scotland, on March 19, 1801, but, at the age of three years, he 
was taken by his parents to Pictou, Nova Scotia, whither they had 
emigrated. Here he served an apprenticeship to a ship- carpenter, and, 
when seventeen, sailed on the ship " Harvest Home " to \\Tiitehead, Eng- 
land, where he completed the learning of his trade, and from which 
place, in 1823, he sailed for New York City, where he settled. In 1828 
he joined the ship " Sampson," a vessel bound for London. At that port 
he shipped on board the East India Company's ship " Duke of Sussex," 
in which he made a voyage to Calcutta and Bombay, at which place he 
arrived during the ravages committed by a cholera epidemic in 1832. 
From Bombay the vessel proceeded to Canton, China, where, having 
loaded a cargo of tea, he sailed for London; here, in 1833, he joined the 
schooner " Bonanza," and in 1834 landed at Monterey, California. Here, 
and at Santa Cruz, Mr. McLeod remained for eighteen months, trading 
with the Mexicans and Indians in tallow and hides, when the vessel, 
taking Mr. McL. and his freight on board, sailed for London. From the 
metropolis of Great Britain he once more returned to New York, and 
shipped on board the "Champlain" to Liverpool, sailing thence to Canton, 
China, and Manilla, in the Phillipine Islands, where, securing a cargo of 
rice, they returned to Canton. From this port our voyager traded to 
Batavia, in the island of Java, in rice, at the end of which he again 
returned to New York in 1838. For the next ten years Mr. McLeod 
passed most of his time in trading between that city and Liverpool, until, 
in December, 1849, he sailed for Panama in the steam.ship "Philadelphia." 
On arrival there he took passage in the " California " and arrived in San 
Francisco in January, 1850, and at once proceeded to Benicia, where 
he commenced working at his trade in the employ of the Pacific 
Mail Company. There he remained until August, 1851, when he went 
to the Southern mines, prosecuting that life in Sonora and other places for 
a short time, after which he made for Sutherland's creek, Wood's creek, 
and other mining localities, until he retrft-ned to San Francisco and 
worked at his trade. This was, however, but for a little while, for 
shortly after, in 1853, we find him established in a building and repair- 
ing yard in Redwood City, a business he continued with much success 
until 1860, when he came to Vallejo and has since found employment on 
Mare Island Navy Yard. Mr. McLeod married in Jersey City, Novem- 



376 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

ber 25, 1S42, Mary Farrier, a native of Scotland, who died in Vallejo, 
March 9, 1878, by whom there are three children living: Mary J., Sarah 
E., and Isabella. 

McPIKE, A. J., is a native of the State of Illinois having been born on 
February 10, 1832. In the year 18.52 he emigrated to California crossing 
the plains with an ox-team having left his home on March 23d and 
arrived at Hangtown (now Placerville) on September 22 of the same year- 
Remained at Reservoir Hill near Placerville during the winter of 1854, 
organizing and teaching a common school but not meeting ^vith sufficient 
encouragement he abandoned that profession and took his departure for 
Sacramento, arriving there in January, 1855, when he in company with 
two others engaged in the traffic of young cotton-wood trees. His next 
enterprise was that of freighting from Sacramento to Yankee Jims, Au- 
burn, Iowa Hill, etc., with a six-mule team. In June of the same year he 
entered into partnership with three others and contracted to build about 
four miles of flume on the old Eldora ditch from Michigan Bluffs up 
Eldora canon, which enterprise was surmounted in spite of many difficul- 
ties. In May, 18C2, Mr. McPike came to Vallejo, but in common with 
others, in the following October he went to Washoe, arriving in Virginia 
city on the 28d of that month. At this time he visited all the principal 
mines and worked in one of the most celebrated, and thereafter took a 
situation in the wholesale grocery house of Sydnor & Carlyle as salesman, 
remaining ynfh them and their successors Sloat & Finney until Septem- 
ber, 1868. The White House was just being completed ; he leased the 
same and carried on the business successfully for two years, when he 
sold out on account of failing health, and visited, in August, Plumas 
county, and there invested in hydraulic and gravel mines. In October 
he revisited Virginia city where he married, immediately after returning 
to Genesee, on Grizzly Creek, where he had established his residence! 

At the time Mr. McPike had taken an active part in local politics and 
the Democratic party, to which he had always adhered, having been that 
year successful, he was tendered the position of Deputy Sherifl" by the 
Sherifi" elect, James H. Yeates, which he accepted, still retaining his mining 
interests, but Yeates' election was contested by the Republican nominee, 
Stephen J. Clark, and given by the Courts in favor of the former, but on 
appeal to the Supreme Court the decision of the lewer Courts was re- 
versed and Clark installed in the office. In the whole of the transac- 
tions connected with this case, which at the time created much interest, 
the subject of this sketch took a prominent part. 

In May, 1867, he returned to his mining interests at Genesee and Grizzly 
Creek, in August of the following year sold out at a great sacrifice, 
and m September following moved to Chico, Butte county, residing there 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 377 

until March, 1869. On the I7th of that month he arrived in Vallejo, 
where he has since resided. From 1869 to 1872 he was employed as 
book-keeper and salesman to W. Stannus Shellhorn and William and W. 
N. Stannus, and in July, of the latter year, he was tendered the position 
of book-keeper, cashier and collector to the Vallejo City Water Company, 
a position which he still holds. In March, 1874, Mr. McPike was elected 
a member of the Board of Education, Vallejo, having again been elected 
in 1876 ; in this year he was also Secretary to Naval Lodge, of F. A. M., 
as well as for the Naval Royal Arch Chapter, and is now Most Worthy 
Patron of Silver Star Chapter, 0. E. S., No. 3, and has been agent, at 
Vallejo, for nearly three years of the ^tna, of Hartford, Insurance 
Company. In 1876, was appointed, by Governor Samuel J. Tilden, Com- 
missioner of Deeds for the State of New York, and has received a like 
position from Governor Grover, of Oregon. 
Mr. McPike married, at Virginia city, October 3, 1864, Miss Bettie Hali- 
day, by whom he has : La Fayette, bom on Grizzly creek, June 2-5, 1865; 
Willie, born October 31, 1867 ; Andrew Jackson, born at Vallejo, August 
30, 1869 ; Henry, born December .5, 1871. Mrs. McPike died March 27, 
1874. He married, secondly, November 3, 1874, Miss Minerva Domigan, 
of Sonoma, and has: Charley, born January 30, 1876; and Mary M. 
bom, November 20, 1877. 

MURPHY, CHARLES, bom on Bere-island, in the bay of Bantry, about 
1822. At the age of three or four the family moved to the main land, 
within a mile of the town of Castletown, Berehaven, county Cork, Ire- 
land. Sailed from Liverpool in the ship " Torilento," and landed in New 
York in June, 1840 ; after remaining there some time went to New Lon- 
don, Connecticut, then returned to New York. In 1844 went to Phila- 
delphia ; thence to Richmond, Virginia, and from there to Norfolk, where 
he sailed in the clipper ship Viola, Capt. Fitzerald, for Chagres, and sailed 
for San Francisco in the brigantine Soledad, 84 passengers from Norfolk, 
Va. Went to Sacramento on a sloop, the passage-money being $32 ; then 
staged to Sutter's mill, Coloma. Two days after, started for Ford's bar 
on the midd'.e fork of the American river. Returned to Sutter's post 
office. Went on a jDrospecting trip ; failed to get anything. Next went 
to Georgetown ; started for the North Yuba, via Kelly's bar, north fork of 
American river, and Johnson's ranch, on Bear river. Some time after 
went on the Gold-lake expedition, where he met his friend Michael Kane, 
of Front street, feeding on wild potatoes and leeks. In January, 18.52, 
while searching for mules the Indians had driven off, was shot through 
the arm and laid up three months. On August 28, 1852, with four or 
five others, discovered and located the Buttes quai'tz mine ; laid claim to 
1500 feet. Afterwards engaged in the building business in San Fran- 



378 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Cisco; next went to Mare Island Navy Yard and there worked a year: this 
was in 1859. Next employment was the building of St. Francis Cotholic 
church, at Vallejo. Lastly, the excavation for the stone dry dock, for 
which he claims $90,000. The case is set for trial in April, 1880. At 
present he is attending to his vineyard, about three miles from Napa City, 
and a farm of 800 acres, two miles distant from the same. Resides at 
Vallejo. Is married, but has no family. 

NORTH, JOHN, dealer in groceries and provisions; was bom in Nova 
Scotia, in the year 1823. In 1841 he first left his home, and was variously 
employed in different parts of the Eastern States until 1852, when he 
arrived in San Francisco, and resided there till the beginning of 1853, 
when he moved to Mare Island and managed a boarding-house, for Seacor, 
Harmon & Co., continuing there until the winter of 1854, when he again 
returned to San Francisco and engaged with Jones Coll, in the dairy 
business, and once more returned to Vallejo, having purchased the interest 
of Joseph Turner in the Central Hotel, he remaining interested in that 
establishment for one year. In 1855 he retired from the hotel and pur- 
chased a farm in the vicinity of Vallejo, for the purpose of rearing stock. 
In 1865 Mr. North disposed of his ranch, and, accompanied by his wife 
went to visit their relatives. On arriving at Amesbury, they found that, 
in the interval between leaving California and arriving at their destina- 
tion, by a strange fatality, Mrs. North's mother had died in Massachusetts, 
while his own had departed this life in Nova Scotia — a double stroke of 
ill-news. Now Mr. North invested in a farm at Wenham, Massachusetts, 
upon which he resided for twelve months, when he disposed of it and 
went to Nova Scotia, returning to Amesbury and engaging in the gi'ocery 
business. In 1869 he again arrived in California, and in 1870 established 
himself in his present business. Mr. North married in 1865, in St. Louis, 
Sierra county, Matilda, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth Osgood, of 
Amesbury, Massachusetts. 

O'BRIEN, THOMAS E., is a native of New York City, having been born 
there on January 26, 1850. In 1852 he came with his parents to Cali- 
fornia, and fii'st settled in San Francisco. When five years of age he 
accompanied them to Vallejo, and in 1871 he went to Sacramento, where 
he was employed for three years in an auction house, when, in 1874, he 
returned to Vallejo and opened his present place of business as a furni- 
ture dealer. J 

O'GRADY, FRANK, born in Columbia county. New York, in 1848. In 
the year 1854 he went -with his parents, who settled in Rockford, Winne- 
bago county, Illinois, and followed the movements of the Illinois Central 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 379 

railroad till it reached Galena, and from thence to Grant county, Wiscon- 
sin. In 1861 he removed to California and served his time as carriage- 
maker, and woi'ked at his trade for five years. Went into partnership 
in 1870 with his brother, who, having died, he associated himself with 
R. McDermott, in the Empire Soda Works. Is Captain of the Val- 
lejo Company of Rifles, National Guard of California. 

PEARSON, GUSTAVUS C, was bom at Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio, 
July 17th, 1827, and with his parents went to Chicago, Illinois, arriving 
early in June, 1832, at the time when an Indian war, known as the Black 
Hawk War, was at its height. Chicago was an insignificant trading post, 
guarded by a stockade, called by courtesy Fort Dearborn. There was no 
harbor or whai-f. Vessels that joccasionally visited this remote post an- 
chored some distance from shore, landing passengers and discharging 
freight with small boats on the sandy beach of the lake, near the outlet 
of the sluggish stream called Chicago, or Skunk River, by the aborigines. 
Upon arrival the Pearsons were kindly invited by Colonel Whistler, who 
was a friend of the family and in command of the fort, to reside inside 
the stockade. They remained until the arrival of General Scott, with 
troops, in July of 1832. These troops came by steamer — the first that 
broke these prairie solitudes with the roar of steam. Cholera made its 
appearance immediately after, causing an exodus from the place of all 
who could leave. Mr. Pearson's father took his family to Danville, Illi- 
nois, one hundred and twenty-five miles south of Chicago, which was the 
nearest point of safety from Indians, a company of rangers being stationed 
there. 

In 1836 the father of Mr. Pearson was appointed Judge of the Northern 
District of Illinois, which embraced a number of counties in the eastern 
and northern parts of the State. A residence in the district was required, 
and he removed to Joliet, Will County, Illinois. 

The subject of this sketch was well grounded in the classics at an early 
age, having received the care of a kind and scholarly father as well as 
excellent teachers : attended Bishop Chase's Jubilee College in Peoria 
county. Ills.; the Clarkson Academy, Monroe county, New York, and 
Alleghany College, Meadville, Pennsylvania. 

In 1844, to gratify his father, rather than follow his own inclinations, 
he began the study of law with Judge McRoberts, in Danville, Ills. The 
year follo-\ving a position was secoi-ed with Joel A. Mattison (afterwards 
Governor of Ills.) at Joilet, Ills., who carried on an extensive and diversi- 
fied bu-siness — wholesaling and retailing, manufacturing, contracting, 
banking, etc. The fundamental principles acquired in this practical 
school of business ripened into a knowledge of the affairs of life which 
were of inestimable advantage to a young man who had determined on 
becoming a merchant. 



380 THE HISTORYFO SOLANO COUNTY. 

In 1847, a Mr. Ingersoll headed a small company, composed of persons 
residing in the vicinity of Joilet, and started for Oregon and California, 
across the plains. Mr. Mattison held a power of attorney for disposing 
of an amount of property left by Ingersoll. The year following instruc- 
tions came from Ingersoll (who had reached California a short time before 
gold was discovered) to dispose of his property ; purchase, and ship live 
hundred barrels of dried apples, by water, to San Francisco, and give 
whatever remained to his relatives — that he was a millionaire, etc. A 
member of the Ingersoll company, named Cutting, returned -to Joliet in 
September, 1848, and brought $2,700 in gold dust which he had taken out 
of a claim with pan and shovel in three weeks. This man confirmed all 
that Ingersoll had written. The people of Joliet were not exceptional ; 
the whole country was wild with excitement concerning the new El 
Dorado. 

Mr. Pearson was thoroughly imbued with the spirit of adventure ; and 
although ofiered every inducement by Mr. Mattison, even that of a part- 
nership interest, if he would remain, fitted out a wagon and ox team, 
started for California, March 18, 1849 ; passed through Illinois and Iowa • 
crossed the Missouri river at St. Joseph, Mo., May 1st, arriving at Salt 
Lake City in June, remaining until September. While among the Latter 
Day Saints, Mr. Peai-son familiarized himself with the working of their 
institutions ; reaped, with a sickel, five acres of wheat ; threshed it with 
a flail, and winnowed it with the wind, by pouring the grain with a meas- 
ure from a staging, upon a wagon cover spread upon the ground : forty 
bushels of clean wheat — one fifth of the amount — was his reward for 
this labor. 

Brigham Young, who, in the earlier part of the season, had been more 
than friendly towards the emigrants, showed his true character as soon as 
they were in his power. He offered them the alternative of joining the 
Mormon Church or making a wagon road from Salt Lake city to Cali- 
fornia by way of Severe river, Rio Virgin, Mohave river and San 
Bernardino ; frankly declaring that it was an arduous and dangerous un- 
dertaking, but a service the " Gentiles shoxdcl perform for tlie Saints," as 
they intended to colonize the country along the route as soon as it was 
opened. A majority of the emigrants destined for California chose road 
making, however difficult, to mormonism and its abominations. Mr. 
Pearson, with a party not encumbered with families, were first to start on 
this journey of more than seven hundred miles, over rugged mountains, 
through deep gorges, across arid deserts, without guides or knowledge of 
the country to be traversed, which was infested with hordes of savages 
ever on the watch to murder and plunder. Constant vigilance was re- 
quired on the part of this little band of pioneer road makers ; many lives 
were lost, and many hair-breadth escapes made, the subject of our sketch. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 381 

with another member of the company, when in pursuit of mules that had 
been stolen the night before, were decoyed into an ambuscade and fought 
their way back to camp, several miles distant. At Archilet, or Hernan- 
dez Spring, Nevada, where they stopped to recruit the starved animals, 
several young men volunteered to push forward for California on foot, 
taking only what could be carried upon their backs, giving the remainder 
of their provisions and use of their teams to the starving and destitute 
families that had overtaken the pioneer company at several points on the 
route. After great suffering from hunger and thirst, having gone two 
days and nights without water or food, this party of volunteers reached, 
Cocomungo ranch, forty miles southeast of Los Angeles, remaining for 
several weeks, until the arrival of their teams. These wagons were the 
first that ever passed through the Cahon Pass, which had been considered 
only practicable for pack mules. 
Mr. Pearson took passage by schooner from San Pedro, arriving in San Fran- 
cisco the last of November, 1849. His first night on shore was quite 
different from what travelers experience at present. His bed was the sand 
of North Beach, wrapped in his blanket, with the rain pouring down upon 
him. Not to be idle, he accepted a situation for a few days in an auction 
store, until he could get passage to Sacramento on the " McKim," paying 
$25 from San Francisco to Sacramento, on his way to Bidwell's bar, on 
Feather river, where he prospected the middle fork of that river as far 
up as the American bar. Returning to Marysville, procured an outfit 
and started for the head-waters of the Yuba, prospecting the Rough and 
Ready, Grass Valley and Nevada districts, discovering some rich diggings. 
The idea at that time was, that vast aggregations of coarse gold could be 
found at or near the heads of the rivers and creeks flowing from the 
snow-clad summits, and the highest point that could be reached at that 
time, on account of snow, was Poor Man's creek ; this proving rich, (the 
first pan of dirt prospecting over seventy-five dollars), the summer of 
1850 was passed here, good luck attending the labors of our prospector, 
. who, coming to San Francisco in September, sent a portion of his acqui- 
sition to an uncle in Pennsylvania, for investment, purchased a stock of 
goods for the southern mines with the balance. Owing to want of rain, 
no mining could be done. He sold out immediately and went to Ows- 
ley's bar, on the Yuba, where he engaged in butchering, and running sev- 
eral quicksilver machines. In February, 1851, he purchased mules and 
started for Rich bar and east fork of Feather river, with mining outfit 
and provisions ; was there at the time of the famine, when flour com- 
manded $3 00 per pound. Spent several months prospecting on the head- 
waters of Feather and Yuba rivers ; secured claims on Durgon flat, near 
Downeyville, wintering at Toll's dry diggings. Returned to Chicago in 
October, 1852, where he built the Rock Island House, on the corner of 
Twelfth and Clark streets, the first hotel in that part of the city. 



382 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

In the fall of 1853 Mr. Pearson came again to California and engaged in 
farming, near Sacramento city, upon land that was regarded as worthless, 
by the Spaniards. The first crop of wheat, sown in February, yielded 
over forty bushels to the acre of gi-ain, weighing sixty -three pounds per 
bushel. Fruit trees and a vineyard were set out, which proved the land 
to be far superior to the bottom, or overflowed ground, which General 
Sutter declared was all that could be cultivated. 

In the summer of 1855, a party from Sherlock's creek, Mariposa county, 
started for Yosemite valley, the Indians saying there was miicho oro 
(much gold) there ; instead of which, they found the now famed " land 
of mountain and the flood." August 15th, 1855, this party, among them 
Mr. Pearson, laid claim to the valley, hewing the bark from the side of a 
huge pitchpine tree, standing at the west or lower end of the valley, near 
where the trail ci'ossed the Merced river ; upon the bared trunk they set 
forth their claim to the valley, with the names of the claimants, eleven 
in number. 

In 1856 Mr. Pearson returned to Chicago and embarked in the general com- 
mission business with marked success, until the year 1867, when failing 
health compelled his retiring. In 1867 he located at Vallejo, which, from 
its position, favored milling and grain-shipping ; when returning to Cali- 
fornia he brought the plans for a grain-elevator, and outlined the plans 
for operating it by a company — which was organized. There being no 
statutory provision relative to warehouse receipts, lie drafted a bill, which 
failed to become a law. Mr. Pearson, fully aware of the necessity of such 
a law, in order that the enterprise should be successful, withdrew from 
any active participation, but gave the company his plans, from which was 
erected the first and only grain elevator on this coast. After repeated 
failures, Mr. Pearson finally succeeded in having this warehouse bill passed 
April 1, 1878. The advantages derived from such a law, by all classes, 
is manifest throughout the Northwestern States. 

A partnership was formed in 1868 between Mr. G. C. Pearson and Mr. A. D. 
Starr, under name of Pearson & Starr, for carrying on a general com- 
mission business. They located and built the Starr mills, at Vallejo, one 
of the largest and best-arranged mills in the world. The firm was dis- 
solved about the first of January, 1871, Mr. Pearson selling out to Mr. 
Starr. September 13, 1864 Mr. Pearson married Hattie, youngest daugh- 
ter of Judge A. C. Brown, of Ogdensburg, New York. They have had 
four children — three sons and one daughter. 

Though determined and positive in character, with decided convictions, Mr. 
Pearson is not sectarian in religious matters, nor a partisan in politics. 
He writes and .speaks his sentiments freely, never hesitating through fear 
of being unpopular. His predelictions are democratic, and sympathizes 
with the people. He shuns notoriety, and has never accepted a nomina- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 383 

tion or held any office. He is a member of the " Old Settlers' Society," 
of Chicago. The records of said society being burned in the great fire, 
he, in 1876, presented the old records — which he had kept — to the His- 
torical society of that place. 

POWELL, ABRAHAM, lumberman, of Vallejo. "Was born in the city of 
Philadelphia, on the 24th day of January, 1828. At the early age of 
twelve he visited the West India islands, with Captain John Rue. In 
1841 he sailed from his native city in the bark " Madeline," Captain Wil- 
liam Shanklin, to Europe, making the return trip in the same vessel. This 
voyage, which occupied the lengthy period of seventy-three days, 
was of the most tedious nature, and the hardihood of the young voyager 
was much tested, for provisions ran out among the steerage passengers, of 
whom there were a great number, so that all on board were necessarily 
placed on the meagre allowance of one bran biscuit and a quart of water 
per diem for three weeks, a lesson of endurance which has not been lost 
on our hero through his stirring life. In his early days Mr- Powell was 
employed in the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, and there learned the trade 
of a ship-joiner and civil engineering, under his father, remaining at this 
occupation until 1849. On the 2d December, 1846, he married Sarah L., 
daughter of James Paxon, of Philadelphia, the ceremony being performed 
by the Reverend Thomas Brainard, at what was then known as the Old 
Pine Street church. Mrs. Powell was bom on 23d October, 1829, in the 

, native city of her husband. 

The intelligence of the discovery of gold in California having now taken 
the world by storm, every face looked eagerly toward the New Dorado, 
and Mr. Powell, among thousands of others, stai'ted for the land of gold. 
Leaving Philadelphia, his family, and early associations, he took passage 
on the brig " Osceola," on the 16th day of January, 1849, and on tlie 
morning of Sunday, the 5th August, after a voyage of 202 days round 
Cape Horn, twelve of which were passed at Rio de Janiero, in the Brazils, 
and fourteen at Talcahuana, on the coast of Chili, he anchored in the 
beautiful bay of San Francisco. Mr. P., with characteristic energy, was 
up and doing. He entered into partnership with one of his fellow-passen- 
gers named William Butcher, in the business of builders and joiners. 
They had brought out many of the necessaries for carrying on their 
trade — even the frame work for houses was not forgotten — and at once 
established themselves in San Francisco, on Jackson street above Kearny, 
having erected their own premises, on the site now occupied by the old 
Philadelphia Engine house, No. 12. Orders now came in fast ; their first 
was to build the old Philadelphia auction-house, for Berry & Middleton, on 
Jackson street. At this business did he continue till the beginning of 
1850, when he returned to the Eastern States, via Panama. Finding 



384 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

himself once more in the town of his birth, he assumed his old position 
in the Navy Yard, where he continued till September, 1S54, when he re- 
ceived the responsible post of master-joiner to the yard at Mare Island, 
in California, a new station just established on the Pacific coast. 
On the 5th of September, after only a very few days preparation, we find 
Mr. Powell, this time accompanied by his family, once more turned towards 
the golden west, and, on the 1st October, 1854, he reported his arrival to 
Captain D. G. Farragut, assumed the duties of his oflice, and resided on the 
the island for three years, from which time, until the year 1858, he had 
full control of all the building operations in the yard. Between the years 
1858 and 1861 Mr. Powell went home on furlough, and again returned to 
Mare Island and filled his former position. In 1864, in conjunction with 
his own legitimate employment, he was called upon to perform the duties 
of Civil Engineer, both of which offices he continued to fill up to July, 
1865, when he finally severed his connection with the Government. In 
this year he commenced the lumbering business in Vallejo, a branch of 
industry which he still pursues. /Mr. Powell is a prominent member of 
the Society of California Pioneers, and in 1869, on the occasion of the 
fete given to that body when the Central and Union Pacific Railroads 
were joined, he, accompanied by a portion of his family, made the excur- 
sion to New York, attended the banquet tendered to them at Delmonico's 
on the 13th October, and returned to the State in the following Novem- 
ber. In 1874 once more did Mr. Powell visit the Eastern States, on this 
occasion, to lie present at the death, as he was led to expect, of his mother, 
who had_ reached the ripe age of 88 years. On such an errand he thought 
not of tide nor time, but traveled night and day, and on arrival found that 
his mother still lived ; whether the sight of her son, now full of years and 
blessed wnth much of the world's goods, gave her a new lease of life, or 
what other cause soever, sulfice it to say, that she rapidly improved in 
health, and it was not till full three years after that she was called to 
" that bourne from whence no traveler returns," at the old age of 91. Mr. 
Powell is a man of vast and varied information ; his conversational pow- 
ers are of the most captivating kind, abounding with anecdote and full of 
humor, Avhile, as a citizen, he is held high in the esteem of the public. 
Added to these qualifications, a goodby list in themselves, he is a prominent 
Mason. He was Master of Naval Lodge while working under dispensa- 
tion, and was continued so after the charter was received from the Grand 
Lodge of California, while he holds high degrees in both the York and 
Scottish Rites of Masonry. Mr. Powell's family consists of James H., 
born in Philadelphia, Nov. 2, 1847; Mary L.,born in Philadelphia, May 1, 
1851 ; Abraham, bom on Mare Island, August 8, 1855 ; Priscilla Florence, 
born in Vallejo, June 10, 1864 ; Eva Paxson, bom April 2, 1866 ; Lurena 
Blanche, bom May 19, 1868 ; Fannie Elizabeth Vallejo, bom February 
17, 1858, died March 5, 1863. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 385 

Mr. Powell was one of Vallejo's first School Directors, and for many years 
a member of the Board of City Trustees, and chairman of the same ; also, 
one of the founders of its charter. 

RICHARDSON, HENRY DOUGLASS, was born in Maumee, Ohio, October 
18, 1847. His father's name was George.and mother's, Mary Louisa Richard- 
son, who moved from the place of his birth about one year thereafter to the 
city of Buffalo, New York, in which place he was apprenticed to the 
printing business, which he was engaged in at the breaking out of the 
Rebellion. At the time of the raid into Peimsylvania, in 1863, the 74th 
regiment of the N. Y. S. N. G. was called out and sworn into the national 
service. At the time the subject of this sketch was a drummer in com- 
pany " G," of that regiment, and with them went to the scene of conflict. 
After the battle of Gettysburg, the riots at New York and other cities 
took place, the regiment was transferred from Pennsylvania to New York 
city, where it remained until the riots ceased, when they were ordered 
back to Buffalo and there mustered out of the U. S. service. Immedi- 
ately following, Mr. Richardson shipped in the navy, for one year, 
sent to New York, and was attached to the U. S. S. store ship " Courier," 
that was employed in carrying ammunition and provisions to the South 
Gulf squadron. The last voyage in this ship was from Boston bound for 
New Orleans, which place she never succeeded in reaching as she ran on 
the reef at Ljrniard's Keys, Abbaco Island, and was sunk within an hour 
after she struck, in the dead hour of night. The crew, with Mr. Richard- 
son among the number, were enabled to reach the shore by the aid of the 
ship's small boats in safety. The island was barren of vegetation, but the 
crew were enabled to subsist on bread that was saved and large green 
turtles that were caught. For sixteen days they remained on the Island, 
until one of the boats that had been fitted up and, with a crew, of which 
Mr. Richardson was among the number, sent to Nassau, N. P., for assist- 
ance, which was secured in shape of a schooner that was lying in that 
port, partly loaded with old junk that had been gathered for shipment to 
the United States. The schooner came to the island for the remainder of 
the crew, some ninety in all. But before she was ready to depart for the 
States, the yellow fever broke out that caused a further detention on the 
island ; several of the castaways sickened and, in a short time, died. 
Finally the scourge abated, and the vessel proceeded to New York and 
went into quarantine and the crew transferred to the U. S. S. " Union," 
from which ship Mr. Richardson was discharged, his term of enlistment 
having expired. From New York he went back to his home in Buffalo, 
and remained until just before the close of the war, when he re-enlisted 
in the navy and again went to New York ; and, at that time, the U. S. S. 
" Pensacola " was being fitted out for the Pacific Squadron, and to which 
25 



386 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

man-of-war Mr. Richardson was sent aboard as ship's printer. The vessel 
came out to California in 1867, calling in at all of the principal ports on 
the Atlantic as well as the Pacific side of the continent. In 1869, his 
service having expired, he went to San Francisco and started in the print- 
ing business for himself, but, it not proving as remunerative as expected, 
he sold the establishment and came to Vallejo, February 22, 1870, and 
secured a position on the " Vallejo Evening Chronicle," where he remained 
for some three years, and then was engaged in the cigar and tobacco trade 
for himself, on Georgia street, opposite the Bernard House, for a year and 
a half, after which time he gave it up and went to work on the navy 
yard, in charge of the government printing office, and remained until 
March 1, 1879, when he secured a position as "local" on the "Vallejo 
Evening Chronicle," where he is engaged at the present time. Mr. Rich- 
ardson is a Republican in politics, and, during his residence in Vallejo, has 
three times been elected as a delegate to the Republican County Conven- 
tion. On March 23, 1876, he was married to Miss Jennie Alice Pratt, of 
and at Grass Valley, California, who was born in Utah, May 29, 18.58, 
and is now 21 years of age. The lady's father and mother's name was 
Mr. W. 0. and Mrs. C. Pratt. They have had two children born unto 
them, one of whom, a daughter, Mabel Alice, is living ; the first, also a 
daughter, having died when an infant. Mr. Richardson is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other societies. In the Odd 
Fellows' Order he has attained the highest rank obtainable in the Subord- 
inate and Encampment branches of the Order, and for the past four years 
has been successively elected to the office of M. W. District Deputy Grand 
Master, of that Order, for this District, comprising all of the Lodges in 
Solano county. Mr. Richardson, at one time, was President of Neptune 
Hose Company, and one of the trustees of the Odd Fellows' Library 
Association at its organization. He has, at various times, been solicited 
to accept the nomination for office under the county or city, but has de- 
clined each and all that have been tendered him. 

ROBINSON, A. T., was born in Bristol, Waldo County, Maine, Septem- 
ber 14, 1828. In 1836 he, with his parents, moved to Montville, Waldo 
County, Maine, where he was engaged with his father, farming, until 
twenty-one years old, when he took up his abode in Ellsworth, Hancock 
County, Maine. Commenced business on his own account in the butcher's 
trade. Here he married Mary L., daughter of Captain James Plummer, 
of Bristol, Maine, on June 12, 1853. In March, 1854, they came to Cali- 
fornia, on the ship "North Star" to Panama, then on the "Yankee Blade" 
to San Francisco, arriving on May 6th of that year, but went to Nevada 
City shortly after, working in a livery stable owned by John A. Lancaster, 
Eight months thereafter purchased some mines, which he operated until 



THE HISTORY OF SOLAKO COUNTY. 387 

the Fall of 1857, when he came to the Sacramento Valley, in Yolo County, 
where he farmed and raised sheep. During his residence — in 1859 or 
1860 — he purchased one half-interest in the livery stable of John A. Lan- 
caster, at Nevada City, from Mr. Saxly, the junior partner of the firm. 
He sold his interest about four years ago. He maintained a continuous 
residence in Yolo County until 1870, at which time he came to Vallejo, 
buying a stock of goods of Mr. Van Schaack. A. J. Plummer is now his 
partner, and they are doing business under the firm name of Plummer & 
Robinson. Since Mr. Robinson's residence in Vallejo he took an active 
part in organizing the Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank, and was 
appointed one of its directors, being a heavy stockholder. During the 
bank's financial troubles a few years since, and when all thought it must 
surrender, Mr. Robinson accepted the position as its president, and was 
one of the number who paid all its indebtedness, again placing it on a 
solid foundation, and then resigned his position. His children are Thomas 
L., born June 23, 1858; Elmore E., born February 5, 1862; Mary L., born 
December 3, 1866; Ralph, born August 23, 1869. 

ROE, GEORGE, was born in Elmira, New York, August 28, 1854. He 
came to California in March, 1870, with his parents, and took up his resi- 
dence in Suisun, Solano county, where he clerked for several months in 
Dr. J. F. Pressley's drug store. In the Fall of 1870 the family moved to 
Vallejo, and in December, 1871, young Roe entered the office of the "So- 
lano Democrat," a weekly paper published by Thompson & Linthicum, as 
printer's devil. He was soon promoted to the case, and afterward, when 
his employers started the "Daily Independent," he was made city editor. 
Subsequently he purchased the material of the ofiice, and commenced the 
publication of a daily morning paper. 

RONEY, JAMES, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was born Sep- 
tember 20, 1847, and here received the ordinary elements of education as 
well as the academical branches of learning. When only sixteen years old 
he went out to defend the honor and integrity of his country he loved so 
well, enlisting in Company B, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, serving in 
the Army of the Potomac, and honorably dischai'ged at the close of the 
war. April 1, 1869, he emigrated to this State, coming via the Isthmus, 
and settled in Vallejo. On June 30, 1874, he bought the "Vallejo and San 
Francisco Express," and is now transacting the business with Mr. Good, 
the firm being Good & Roney. Married, in Vallejo, Miss Anna E., daughter 
of William Shillingsburg, pn July 31, 1870. William S., born April 19, 
1872; Isabella M., born August 18, 1874; Walter A. and George A., born 
December 18, 1876; and Jessie, born March 26, 1879; are the names 
of their children. 



388 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

SAUNDERS, JAMES 0., born in Gottenburg, Sweden, on December 13, 
1819, remaining there till he was bound apprentice to Captain James Nye, 
on board the brig " Fornax," in which he sailed for New Bedford, Massa- 
chusetts, where he arrived on November 10, 1830. Was with Captain 
Nye for two years, when he left, but still continued to follow the mercan- 
tile marine till 1837, when he returned to Sweden to visit his mother, and 
in that year brought her out to America. In 1843 he first shipped in " the 
service," and served in the "Falmouth," sloop-of-war, one year, afterward 
in the "Constitution" for thirty months, during which he sailed round the 
world, having visited China and other countries, arriving on the Pacific 
coast on January 1, 1846, off Monterey. Immediately after proceeded 
with the squadron, under Commodore John P. Sloat, to Mazatlan, where 
they anchored for three months; after which he sailed, calling at Val- 
paraiso and Kio de Janeiro, convoying eight vessels from the latter port 
to Boston, where they paid off in 1846. In the Fall of the same year he 
reshipped in the "Edith," belonging to the Quartermasters' Department, 
and sailed for the coast of Mexico, acting as a transport, and remaining 
there until the cessation of hostilities, when he returned to New York, in 
June, 1847. Mr. Saunders next purchased a sloop, and sailed out of New 
York for six months; and having reshipped, ultimately came back to New 
York, and remained there till 1849, when, on March 2d, he sailed in the 
ship "Loo Choo," of Boston, for California, and arrived in San Francisco 
on September 8th of that year. He lost no time in going to work, first 
as a lighterman, but, only remaining at this occupation for two weeks, he 
went to Hangtown, now Placerville, and stayed there a week, and finally 
left in disgust. He then moved to Sacramento, and there bought a lighter, 
and started for San Francisco. On the way he and his partner chopped 
four cords of wood, which they sold on the journey for twenty-five dol- 
lars per cord. On arrival at San Francisco, went to chopping wood on 
Mission Bay, and, bringing it round to the city, he sold the four cords at 
fifty dollars each. He now employed himself vdth lightering until the 
end of June, 1850, when he returned to the mines, going to the Yuba 
River, at a place called Indian Valley. Stayed there two months, and 
returned to San Francisco, and again engaged at lightering till Novem- 
ber, when he went to the southern mines in Garota, Big Oak Flat, 
where he settled down for the Winter, having built himself a log cabin 
and made all snug. In the Spring of the following year proceeded to 
Maxwell's Creek, remaining there six weeks; then returned to San Fran- 
cisco, where he arrived on May 4, 1851, two or three days after the big 
fire, when the whole city was in ashes. Mr. Saunders now shipped on 
the "Northerner," for New York, arriving there in June, and after two 
months he removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived two years, and 
once more sailed for California, arriving on April 1, 1854. After sojourn- 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 389 

ing in Saji Fi-anci.^eu for three moiitlis we again find Mr. S. on the Feather 
River, where he worked till the month of November, when he again 
sought San Francisco and recommenced boat-work, which he continued 
till March 1, 1855, when he came to Vallejo and got employed in the 
Navy Yard on Mare Island, where he has been ever since. Is one of the 
directors of the Vallejo Pioneer's Association. Mr. Saunders married, in 
Boston, July 26, 1851, Miss Josephine Gunnison, by whom he has living: 
John 0., born August 17, 1853; James H., born August 1, 1856; Charles 
F., born March 8, 1857; Annie, born October , 1864; and Maria E., 
born December 25, 1869. 

SHEEHY, KOBERT, grain merchant, was bom in the county of Kerry, 
Ireland, in 1821, and came to America early in 1849. The spring of the 
following year found him struggling in the human tide which had set 
towards California ; arriving in Tuolumne County, he first engaged in 
the occupation of mining in May, 1850, but, only remaining there four 
years and a-half , he started for the Eastern States, crossed the plains, and 
purchasing cattle, returned by the same route, bringing his stock with 
him, and once more entered the Golden State in 1855, establishing himself, 
in the Suscol Valley, at that time included in Solano County. In the 
year 1858, he commenced farming on a large scale, an occupation which 
he now combines with his other business. Mr. Sheehy is the proprietor 
of 3,000 acres of land in Napa county, a fine estate, which includes large 
tracts of pasture lands. In 1869 he removed with his family into the city 
of Vallejo, where he still resides. Mr. Sheehy married in Napa county, 
on the 8th of January, 1860, Miss Margaret Tormcy, a native of Ireland, 
who was born in 1840, by whom he has five sons, John P., Augustine L., 
Robert V., Francis B., and Eugene V. P.; and five daughters, Ellen S., 
Mary A., Josephine, Louisa, and Ada M. 

SHIRLAND, H. R. FRANCIS, butcher, of Vallejo, was born in Westhaven 
Rutland county. State of Vermont, on September 22, 1818. In 182^ went 
to school in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York State, remaining 
there until he was eleven years of age, when he was seized with a desire 
to see foreign lands, and ran away to sea ; made two voyages to the West 
Indies, and was, on his return, again sent to school at the Castleton, and 
afterwards to Poulteney Seminaries, in Rutland county, from whence, he 
worked with Peter Comstock, in his store at Petersville, Washington 
county, where he stayed for two years ; was then steward of the Troy 
House, in Troy City, for two years, after which, he went to Howard's 
Hotel, where he remained five years and six months. In July, 1846, he 
left the United States and visited, in turn, South America, the East 
Indies, Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar, Mauritius and Isle of France ; 



390 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

made an attempt to cross the Egyptian Desert from Suez, in the Red Sea, 
to Alexandria, on the Mediterranean, but did not go further than Aden, 
in Arabia, from whence, he i-eturned to Bombay, in the East Indies, 
where he took ship and went to London, England. He then visited 
Bremen, in Germany, Havana in Cuba, thence back to New York. At 
this time the city was in a state of the most intense excitement, on 
account of the discovery of gold in California. Mr Shirland, therefore, 
only remained eight days there, when he started for Chagres, on the 
Atlantic side of the Isthmus, in the steamer " Falcon," calling at Charles- 
ton, Savannah, and Havana, thence to port of destination. On arrival he 
hired a canoe, with one Indian and a boy, to take him up the Chagres 
river, landed at Gorgona, and performed the rest of the journey into 
Panama on foot. The year was the eventful one of 1849. At this time 
there were two thousand one hundred persons at Chagres in one day 
awaiting passage, and no vessel to take them, but, there was one which 
had her full complement on board, and to her captain Mr. S. agreed to 
pay fifty dollars coin, as well as work his passage, to be allowed to proceed 
in the ship, which he did, and arrived in San Francisco about ISth May, 
1849. At once proceeded up the river to Embarcadero, now Sacramento, 
where there were but four houses, belonging to Sam. Brannan, Priestly & 
Co., Davis & Rider, and Jones and Brown. The city had been then already 
surveyed and divided into town lots. The fir.st person he met on the river's 
bank was Professor Sheppard, of Harvard College, who had come to the 
Pacific coast on scientific explorations, but was then attired in the typical 
costume of the Californian pioneer, and driving an ox team. Mr. S. im- 
mediately commenced the transporting business, to the mines, with 
thirteen yoke of oxen, divided into three wagons. In his first trip up to 
Rose's Bar, on the Yuba, with one division of his outfit, he cleared the 
sum of $3,300. He followed teaming with good success till June, 1850, 
when he sold out for $76,000, with which, he purchased from the 
Kelsey's the entire Clear Lake country, of sixty -four miles .square, with 
all the stock, numbering ten thousand head of cattle and a thousand 
horses. This was a most disastrous speculation, for in eight months after 
the purchase he was dragging his way to the mines with three mules and 
an old horse. In February, 1851, he arrived on Salmon river, during the 
epoch of the memorable starvation, when he carried about $800 in his 
bosom, but could not buy a breakfast anywhere. In 1852, along with 
Capt. Best Reynolds, John Chapman, Bill Stevens, and others, discovered 
the first quartz ledge on the South fork of Scott's river. A hundred 
pounds of this rock was despatched to Moffett cfe Co., assayers of San 
Francisco, who returned $13.90 as the proceeds, on the strength of which, 
he, with his comrades, purchased machinery, shipped it to Oregon, and 
thereafter brought it 350 miles overland to the river, and erected the fii-st 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 391 

quartz mill in thf northern part of the State. This adventure too was a 
failure. The following spring returned to Salmon river and bought out 
a man named Jessup, and all that season cut a quantity of timber. In 
the winter of 18.53, he and Best built the first saw mill on the Salmon 
river, getting the machinery from San Francisco via Humboldt bay, and 
conveying it on mules to the place of erection. The mill was a success. 
In that year built three miles of flume in different "riffles." After re- 
maining there till the fall of 1854, having achieved a certain amount of 
success, he determined to revisit the Eastern States, and with that view 
purchased a ticket in the "Yankee Blade," on the voyage in which she 
was lost. He did not go on board the ship, however, but went to Placer 
county and engaged in quartz mining. In 1855 commenced business as 
a butcher at Gold Hill, Placer county, which he carried on till 1860, when 
he moved to the Allison Ranch mine, in Grass Valley, Nevada county, 
where he stayed till 1865. In that year followed up the Meadow Lake 
excitement, after which, went as butcher with the workmen on the 
Central Pacific Railroad, remaining with them till its completion in 1869. 
Remained at Truckee until October of that year, when he came to Vallejo 
and opened a butcher store, which business he still continues. Is a mem- 
ber of the Vallejo Pioneer Association. Mr. Shirland married in 1856, 
Miss Mary Orr, of New York City, at Pine Grove, Placer county, who 
died in 1865. By her he has one daughter, Frances, bom December 17, 
1861. 

SIMONTON, GEORGE W. The subject of this memoir was born on April 
21, 1824, in Waldo, now Knox county, Maine, where he received his early 
education and resided until December, 1859. In 1848 Mr. Simonton en- 
tered that career which has, in after life, placed him at the head of that 
long list of teachers in California whose scholars are now fast coming into 
prominence in the world. The first school in which he taught was that 
in Prospect, Waldo county, prior to which he had been associated with 
his uncle. Dr. Putnam Simonton, at Searsport, a most accomplished gen- 
tleman, and from whom young Simonton received much of that learning 
which has stood him in such good stead. His next tuition was under- 
taken in the seminary of the Hon. M. C. Blake, the present Judge of the 
Criminal Court of San Francisco, after which he entered an academy 
taught by Rev. Edward Freeman, with whom he remained until the year 
1848, when he became Principal of the school, and as such continued till 
1851), when he retired, on account of failing health. On December 1, 1859, 
he sailed from New York city, by way of Panama, and arrived in San 
Francisco on the day after Christmas of that year. He at once pre- 
sented himself before the Board of Education, and being examined re- 
ceived a first-grade certificate. Remaining in San Francisco but a short 



392 THK HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

time he proceeded to Benicia, and there received a school certificate for 
the county of Solano from Dr. Woodbridge, and proceeded to the Green 
Valley District, in 18G1. Here he remained, teaching school, till 1864, 
when he came to Vallejo, and there took charge of the public schools on 
September 2, 1864. At the time of his taking charge of these schools 
there were but seventy scholars, while his daughter, a young lady of some 
fifteen years of age, was the only assistant teacher procurable ; here Mr. 
Simonton labored until 1872, when he received a well-earned leave of 
absence for one year. Proceeding to Ukiah City, Mendocino county, Cal., 
he there purchased a private school, but giving it up in May, 1878, he 
returned to Vallejo, and, assuming his former duties, continued to per- 
form them until December, 1874. Mr. Simonton was elected to the posi- 
tion of County Superintendent of Schools in 1863, fiUed the ofiice for 
six years, and is now employed in the Constructor's Department in the 
Na\y Yard on Mare Island. He married March 4, 1847, Harriet A. Ross, 
of Rocklin, Knox county, Maine, who died January 3, 1868, by whom he 
had eight children, there being now living, Fred. W. ; Sophia A. ; Frank 
R. ; Willis E. and James G. Married secondly, Mrs. E. J. Monroe, a na- 
tive of New York State, on April 16, 1870. 

SMITH, JAMES G., is a native of Cheltenham, England, having been born 
January 27, 1836. He came to America in 1857, and having spent one 
winter in Rochester, New York, went westward, and, on arrival at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kansas, he enlisted as a cattle drover to the Government, 
for the purpose of driving stock to Salt Lake City. Was there discharged, 
and in company with fourteen others, made the journey to Sacramento 
on foot, arriving there in November, 1868. His fii-st permanent settle- 
ment was made at Feather river, where he engaged in farming, and hav- 
ing remained thei-e for two years, in the winter of 1860, went to the 
mines at Nevada city. In the fall of 1864 he arrived at Vallejo, and 
opened his present studio, where he carries on the business of photo- 
gi-apher. Married at Vallejo March, 1865, Adelaide A., daughter of Ben- 
jamin Ingolls, of Boston, Mass., by whom he has Cheltie A. ; Waldo E. ; 
Alfred G. ; and Saxon I. 

STEFFEN, JACOB, bom in Germany, in 1841, where he remained until 
1857, and then emigrated to America, and settled in New York city, re- 
siding till 1863, when he came to California. He first took up his abode 
in San Francisco, but, in 1865, moved to Napa, but only sojourned 
there two years, when he came to Vallejo, and in 1872 commenced his 
present business. In 1875 he entered into partnership with Mr. M. Fors- 
tenfeld, under the style of Steffen & Co., in a meat market, which they 
still continue. Is unmarried. 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 393 

TAYLOR, M. D., WILLIAM E., Medical Inspector U. S. Navy, was born 
near Kichmond, Virginia, December 7, 1837. Early in life, his parents 
removed to Winchester, Virginia. Received his education at the Win- 
chester Academy. Graduated in medicine at the Winchester Medical 
College in April, 1859. Entered the U. S. Navy as Assistant Surgeon on 
the 3d of July, 1859. His first service was on board the U. S. S. " Sa- 
vanna," flag-ship of the Home Squadron, from October, 1859, till Novem- 
ber, 1860. Joined the U. S. S. " St. Mary's," at Panama, in January, 1861. 
Remained on board this vessel till May, 1862, during which time she 
visited a number of ports on the Mexican coast, and spent several 
months at San Francisco and Mare Island. Returned to the Eastern 
States in June, 1862. Promoted to the gi-ade of Surgeon U. S. Navy 
September 5. 1862. On special duty at the Naval Rendezvous and Naval 
Asylum, Philadelphia, till December, 1862 ; then on duty on board the 
U. S. steam-sloop " Iroquois," and subsequently on board the U. S. steam- 
sloop " Tuscarora," serving in both vessels ofl" the Wilmington blockade 
until the spi-ing of 1864; then ordered to the U. S. receiving- ship "Ohio," 
at Boston, Massachusetts, remaining there until the spring of 1866 ; then 
ordered to the U. S. iron-clad steamer" Meantonomoh,"at New York, in 
which vessel he made a cruise to Europe, returning to Philadelphia in July, 
1867. Placed on waiting orders until October, 1868 ; then ordered to the 
Navy Yard at Mare Island, Gal. Reported for duty at that station Novem- 
ber 26, 1868. In November, 1871, ordered to the U. S. S."Pensacola;" from 
that ship to the U. S. S. " Saranac," in December, 1872 ; made a cruise of 
three years in these two vessels. Detached from the " Saranac " Novem^ 
ber 30, 1874, and ordered to the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Gal. Promoted 
to the grade of Medical Inspector U. S. Navy on the 31st of December, 
1876. Detached from Mare Island on the first of October, 1878. On the 
first of November, of the same year, reported for temporary duty in charge 
of the Naval Hospital at Mare Island, Gal. Remained there until De- 
cember 31, 1878 ; then detached, and placed on waiting orders. 

Dr. Taylor was married in Pittsburg, Pa., October 20, 1863, to Miss Char- 
lotte W. Irwin, a native of that city. He has an only daughter, Grace 
Lee Taylor; bom in Gharlestown, Massachusetts. 

THOMPSON, J. D., born in Sangamon county, Illinois, March 27, 1846 
and resided there until 1859, when he moved with his parents, to Monroe 
county, Iowa. In 1861 he returned to his native county, and in the fol- 
lowing year left for Galifomia, arriving in Honey Lake valley, Lassen 
county, California, in August, 1862. Here he engaged in freight and 
staging till 1867, when he went to San Francisco, coming to Vallejo on 
March 10, 1868, being variously employed until 1873, when he established 
his present draying business. Mr. Thompson married April 28, 1872, Miss 



394 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Jennie Currier, by whom he has Frankie J., born July 11, 1873, and 
Charlie, born September 8, 1876. 

TflOMFSON, H. M., born in Sangamon county, Illinois, February 25, 1852, 
where he stayed with his parents until 1858, when they moved to Mon- 
roe county, Iowa. In the spring of 1855 he returned to the place of his 
birth, and came to California in August, 1874, and took up his permanent 
residence in Vallejo. He married, November 8, 1877, Miss Emma J. Ham- 
ner, a native of Ray county, Missouri, by whom he has one daughter, 
Alice v., born October 8, 1878. Mr. Thompson is occupied in the busi- 
ness of a drayman. 

THORNTON, T. A., is a native of Yorkshire, England, where he was born 
in the year 1826. In 1847 he emigrated to New York, and from there 
to Massachusetts and back to New York, and finally sailed for California 
March 5, 1852, arriving in San Francisco in the following April. He was 
variously employed at his trade of machinist, and at the mines until No- 
vember, 1853, when he came to Mare Island and commenced working in 
the sectional dry dock, as Engineer. Has been Dock Master there since 
1877. Is a member of the I. O. 0. F., and one of the building association 
for the construction of the hall. Is also a vestryman of the Church of the 
Ascension. Married, March 29, 1859, Margaret McDowell, a native of 
New York city. 

TOBIN, J. F., was bom in Kilkenny county, Ireland, on August 15, 
1830. When nineteen years of age he left the green shores of his native 
country, arriving in America in 1849 and settled in New York, from 
which place he emigrated to California, landing in San Francisco on 
July 9, 1855. He remained here only a few months and proceeded to 
Vallejo, where he at once embarked in the occupation of a butcher, a 
business he still continues. In connection with this trade, Mr. Tobin has 
been largely interested in farming and stock-raising enterprises, while at 
this writing he is classed among the largest land holders in the county 
he owning no less than three thousand acres of land. Mr. Tobin is a man 
of much sterling woi'th ; is esteemed by his fellow-citizens, while his 
energy has brought him to the position which he now holds among his 
compeers. He married in San Francisco, October 12, 1860, Miss Catha- 
rine Lynch, by whom he has a family of five children living : William 
J., bom Sept. 1, 1861 ; Lizzie, born June 13, 1863 ; Marie E., born Dec. 
18, 1868; Lilly A., bom Jan. 1, 1872; and Cecilia, born Dec. 6, 1878. 
Two children have died, Martin E. and James F. 

VANDERBILT, WILLIAM W.. was born in New York in the year 1815, 
where he studied and engaged in the profession of a machinist and engineer. 



a 






THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 395 

and afterwards as shipbuilder ; was for many years in the service of his 
cousin, Commodore Vanderbilt, of New York. He was Chief Engineer 
of the pioneer steamer " California " when she made her voyage to this 
coast. In 1849, he visited Benicia and, in this connection, relates that 
water was so deep there that the steamer was made fast to the shore, 
where she rode in perfect safety. Mr. Vanderbilt was in the employ of 
the Pacific Mail Company from 1849 to 1869, and for ten years was their 
General Superintendent of the Bureau of Hulls and Machinery, during 
which time he designed and superintended the construction of many of 
the company's largest steamers. Having retired for some time, he again 
entered the service of the P. M. S. S. Co. in 1873, which he left in the 
following year to superintend, in the interests of Phineas Burgess, of 
Brooklyn, New York, the rebuilding of the single turreted monitor 
" Comanche," and the construction of the double turreted monitor " Monad- 
nock " now building at Vallejo. Is a life member of the Society of Cali- 
fornia Pioneers of San Francisco, and is a member of long standing of the 
fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. He was married in New York, 
in July, 1840, to Miss Sarah Remer, by whom he has two daughters who 
are married and living in Vallejo. 

WALKER, WILLIAM, lumberman, was born in Perth, Scotland, and 
came to America in the year 1842, settling in Albany, New York, and 
after at Schenectady, New York ; when, after a year in each place, he went 
to Detroit, Michigan. In this State he commenced farming in Lexington 
county, but, in 1852, he crossed the plains to California, with his family, 
arriving at Hangtown, now Placerville, in August of that year. There 
he remained for about eighteen months, when he removed to Sacramento 
and thence to Benicia, and commenced working in the establishment of 
the P. M. S. S. Co. as a machinist. Mr. Walker remained eighteen months 
at Benicia and, on February 1, 1854, came to Vallejo, where he has re- 
sided ever since. For the past sixteen years he has been engaged in the 
lumber trade. He married, first, Jane, daughter of William Allen, of 
Ayrshire, Scotland, on November 6, 1848, who died in April, 1877, and 
secondly, Mrs. Mary A. McKay, on August 18, 1878. 

WARD, JAMES, of the Bernard House saloon, was bom in Ireland on 
December 18, 1843, and emigrated to this country in 1849, settling in 
Franklin county. New York, where he lived five years, after which he 
moved to St. Lawrence county, New York. In June, 1862, he emigrated 
to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and returned to St. Lawrence county, New 
York, in 1865, coming to this State on May 25, 1867, and in December of 
that year, settling in Vallejo, where, up to the commencing of his present 
business in December, 1876, he was engaged in various pursuits. Married 



396 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Mary, daughter of James Rice, SeptemLer 21, 1877, and has three 
children : John F., Mary Ann and Margaret. 

WENIGER, CHARLES, resides at the Summer Resort, about one mile dis- 
tant from Vallejo. He was bom in Prussia, September 13, 1824. In 
1842 he emigrated to America, and settled in the city of New York, 
where he remained till the outbreak of the Mexican war, when he en- 
listed in the 6th Infantry of N. Y. Volunteers, and proceeded to the scene 
of hostilities, being present at some of the principal engagements. After 
one year and nine months' service he was honorably discharged ; he then 
returned to New York, remaining there until 1850, when, on January 6th, 
he sailed for California, and arrived in San Francisco on February 23d. 
He soon started in the liquor business, carrying it on till 1855, when he 
removed to Vallejo, and opened a restaurant. Sold out this business in 
1859, and entered on his present premises, which is a great resort for the 
lovers of sport for that portion of the count}'. Married, May 16, 1855. 
Frederika Ovir, a native of Wurtemberg, by whom he has Julia ; Charles ; 
George ; Emma ; Peter ; John and Fannie. 

WENTWORTH, JOHN, was born in Lincoln county, Maine, on January 14, 
1827, and, when an infant, was moved by his parents to Waldo countj% in 
the same State, where he remained till 1845, when they returned to Lin- 
coln county, and settled in Thomaston. Here he attended the Academy, 
but being possessed of a restless and adventurous spirit, the quiet life of a 
school-boy became monotonous to him ; he, therefore, at the age of eight- 
een, sailed in the ship " Mountaineer," on a voyage to Europe, the cruise 
occuppng six months. On his return he now joined the ship " Pyramid," 
and again visited Europe, and, making the return voyage, he was there- 
after, in 1848, landed at Cairo, Ills., from whence he returned home by 
way of Cincinnatti, Ohio. On his arrival at Thomaston he bound himself 
apprentice to Nathan Reed, a ship-carpenter of that place ; remaining at 
his trade till 1851, when he proceeded to Virginia, for the purpose of pro- 
curing ship's timbers, but remained there only a short time, when he again 
returned home, and resided there till January, 1853. In this month he 
sailed for California, and arrived at San Francisco on February 19 of that 
year. He at once proceeded to El Dorado county, and engaged in mining 
till 1854, when he returned to the Eastern States, remaining there but 
three months, when he once more proceeded to El Dorado. In Novem- 
ber, 1854, he came to Vallejo, and obtained employment on Mare Island, 
where he worked at liis trade. In 1862 he left the Navy Yard, and en- 
gaged in farming, which he pursued for four years. In 1867 Mr. Went- 
worth was elected Treasurer of Solano county, which office he held for 
two years. In 1869 he began business as a real estate agent, and con- 
tinued it till 1875, when, on May 27th of that year, he was appointed Fore- 
man Shipwright on Mare Island Navj' Yard. He married at Union, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 397 

Maine, October 22, 1852, Miss Maria D. Cummings, a native of that place, 
by whom he has John W., born in Vallejo, October 3, 1858, and George 
A., born September 1, 1862. 
WILSON, E. J., is a native of New York, having been born in that State 
in the year 1829, being in the earlier years of his life engaged, principal- 
ly, in the manufacturing and lumber interests. On the twentieth day of 
February, 185G, he sailed for California, and aiTived in San Francisco in 
the following month, and remaining there but a short time he proceeded 
to Shasta county, where he resided for one year, being, for the most part, 
engaged in mining. In 1857 he came to Vallejo, where he has ever since 
been identified with many of the interests of that city. Mr. Wilson is 
President of the Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank ; Vice President 
of the Vallejo Land and Improvement Association ; and is President of 
the Board of Trustees, to which office he was elected in 1876. He mar- 
ried in 1851, in New York, Miss Helen M. Chamberlain, by whom he has 
George W., born in 1852, and Hattie, born in 1862. 

WILSON, JOHN, farmer, in Vallejo Township, was born in county Tyrone, 
Ireland, and emigrated to America, in 1851, first settling, for a few 
months, in Philadelphia, and left, on December 25, 1851, for San Francis- 
co, which he reached on March 4, 1852. On his arrival he proceeded to 
Hangtown, now Placerville, remaining there till the following May, being 
engaged principally in mining operations ; he then moved to Solano county, 
and was employed by Cui'tis & Clark, the former owners of his present 
estate, with whom he stayed till 1855, when, together with his brother, 
Joseph Wilson, they purchased a drove of 400 head of horses, and took 
them to New Mexico, where they were exchanged for 4,000 head of sheep, 
which latter the brothers drove back to their homes on the Suscol Ranch, 
the undertaking occupying about sixteen months. In 1857 Mi". Wilson 
purchased a portion of his present farm, 900 acres of which he owns, and 
has under the finest and latest improvements. He is a large breeder of 
stock, the horses reared by him being among the finest in the county. 
Mr. Wilson married in San Francisco, October 10, 1870, Lavonia Wright, 
a native of Oswego, New York ; they have one son, Edward. 

WILSON, JOSEPH, farmer in Vallejo township, is a native of county Ty- 
rone, Ireland, where he was born in April, 1826. In 1846 he emigrated 
to the United States, and settled in Philadelphia, but embarked from 
there in December, 1851, arriving at San Francisco on March, 4, 1852, 
and at once proceeded to Hangtown, now Placerville, and Weaverville, 
where he engaged in mining until May, 1852, when he came to Solano 
county, in company with his brother John, and found employment with 
Curtis (Si Clark, the former owners of the estate now owned by the broth- 
ers Wilson. In 1S58 he purchased and now possesses 854 acres of land, 
comprised in the finest farming district in the county. Mr. Wilson mar- 



398 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

ried in Lake county, Indiana, January 15, 1866, Miss Margaret W. Young, 
a native of Logan county, Ohio, by whom he has Jennie Belle, born Octo- 
ber 10, 1866 ; John Andrew, bom July 9, 1868 ; Joseph Ross, born Octo- 
ber 7, 1873; Eldana Agnes, "bom April 22, 1876, and George Wallace, 
born January 4, 1879. 

WILLISTON,v^JOHN EDWARD, the subject of our memoir, was born in 
Portsmouth, Norfolk county, Virginia, October 14, 1841, where he con- 
tinued, with the exception of three years, until 1855, wdien he went to 
Boston and there attended school. On April 20, 1858, he embarked for 
California. Came up on this side on board the steamer " John L. Ste- 
phens," arriving in San Francisco May 15th of that year, and came di- 
rectly to Vallejo, to join his father, who was at the time Assistant Civil 
Engineer on Mare Island Navy Yard. On July 4th of the same year Mr. 
Williston, Sr., with his son, left for Victoria, en route for the Fraser river, 
on board the clipper ship " E. F. Willetts," but returned from British Co- 
lumbia in the following November, per steamer " Santa Cruz," and settled 
in Vallejo, where the latter has since resided. Mr. John E. Williston 
was employed in various branches of business up till 1866, when, in part- 
nership with Mr. H. B. Bell, he opened a grocery stoi-e, but, unfortu- 
nately, in 18C9, the establishment was destroyed in the great fire ; with 
that perseverance, however, for which he is so famous, Mr. Williston im- 
mediately rebuilt his grocery and continued its business until January 
25, 1879, when, on account of failing health, he sold his interest to Mr. 

D. W. Harrier. He was elected Sheriff of Solano county, by the Demo- 
cratic party at the general election of September 1, 1875, and the like 
honor was for the second time conferred upon him on September 5,1877; 
he has also served for two years on the Board of Trustees for the City of 
Vallejo. Mr. Williston is a member of the Independent Oi'der of Odd 
Fellows, of Mount Moriah Encampment, as also a member and Secretary 
of the San Pablo Lodge of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of Naval 
Lodge and Naval Chapter F. & A. M., and a member of California Com- 
mandery No. 1, of San Fi-ancisco. Married March 29, 1869, Miss Sarah 

E. McLeod, by whom he has Edgar, Eugene, John E., and Alice B. 

YOUNG ANDREW J., born in Lincolnville, Waldo county, Maine, on March 
20, 1829, where he resided until 1850, when heanoved to Rockland, Knox 
county, at which place he learned the trade of ship carpenter, remaining 
there till 1859, when he emigrated to California, crossing the plains, 
and first settling in San Francisco, where he sojourned until 1870, when 
he located in Vallejo, of which city he is still a resident. Married K. 
Ingraham, at Rockland, Knox county, Maine, on August 16, 1855. Mr. 
and Mrs. Young have an adopted daughter, Efiie E., married to Andrew 
B. Hall, of Petaluma, Sonoma county. 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 399 



SUISUN. 



ALDEN E. B., of the firm of E. B. Alden & Co., of Napa and Suisun, was 
born in Lincoln, now Knox county, Maine, January 1, 1839. He received 
the benefit of the public schools until, at the age of sixteen years, he left 
home to engage in mercantile pursuits. Went to Boston, Mass., in 1864, 
where he remained the most of the time until February, 1869, at which 
time he emigrated to California, remaining in San Francisco for about 
nine months ; from thence removed to Vallejo and became employed on 
the Navy Yard at Mare Island, where he remained until 1875, at which 
time he became associated with Mr. A. P. Voorhees, in mercantile trade. 
The firm removed to Napa city in the spring of 1876, and in September 
1878, Mr. Alden established a branch of their business in Suisun, of which 
place he has since been a resident with his family. Married in Sacra- 
mento, October 12, 1870, Lydia E., daughter of Benj. F. Webster, of Knox 
county, Maine. Their children are: Bertram F., born January 5, 1873; 
Evie E., born February, 1875, died the following July ; Edith May, born 
February, 1878. 

BARBOUR, NATHAN, was bom in Cayuga county, N. Y., January 12, 
1813. When twenty-one years old he moved to Kentucky, then, after 
three years, to New Orleans, La., trading on the Mississippi river, thence 
to Andrew county. Mo., where he abode until coming to California in 
1846, crossing the plains with an ox-team, and came to the banks of 
Feather river, in October of that year. A full account of Mr. Barbour's so- 
journeyings are given in the county history, up to his coming to his present 
place in Suisun valley. Married Miss Nancy, daughter of Landy Alford, 
May 9, 1846. She died October 15, 1868. Armelia (deceased), Eli, Nan- 
cy, Nathan, Julie, Nellie May, and Florence Katie are their children. 

BATEMAN, J. K., County Superintendent of Schools, a native of High- 
land county, Ohio, was born January 14, 1850. From a very early pe- 
riod of his- life he was a lover of books, and while attending the public 
schools in his birth-place made rapid progress in his studies, finishing his 
academical education in the National Normal School, of Lebanon, Warren 
county, Ohio. In after life the classic poets were added to his store of 
intellectual enjoyment. September, 1868, then only eighteen years old, he 
commenced teaching public schools, which occupation he followed up to 
the time he was elected to his present office, on September 5, 1877. Came 



400 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

to California, arriving August 31, 1873, settling in this county at Elmira, 
and, after two years, went to his former home, remaining one year, then 
returned to this county, settling in Dixon. He is now a resident of Sui- 
sun. Cal., beloved by his many friends and respected by the citizens of 
the place in which he lives. 

BATEMAN, JOHN M. K., is a native of Highland county, Ohio, and bom 
11th December, 1837. Received his education at the National Normal 
School of Lebanon, Ohio, and the New Jei-sey State Normal School at 
Trenton. Left Ohio in May, 1874, and came to California, first settling 
at Riverside, San Bernardino county; thence to Oakland, and Dixon, 
Solano county, thence to Santa Cruz, and in June, 1878, came to Fair- 
field, this county, taking charge of the public schools, which place he now 
occupies. On September 19, 1868, married Euphemia, daughter of Charles 
McNeill, who was for five years a member of the Colonial Legislature of 
Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Bateman was born in Canada, March 30, 1842. 
Their livdng children are Victorian, Mary Margaret and Sarah May. Lost 
three — Minnie Este, Leonard and Daisey. 

BAUMAN, J. H., the subject of this sketch, was born in Gennany, July 
(j, 1823. Emigrated to Fau-field countj^ Ohio, in 1842; thence to 
Seneca county in the same State. In 1849 he crossed the plains, witli 
a horse team, arriving in Sacramento September 1st of that year. Lo- 
cated on the North Fork of the American River, where he was engaged 
in mining, but in due time returned to Sacramento, coming down on 
the Sacramento River, where for a short time he was engaged in fann- 
ing. Came to Suisun Valley in December, 1850, camping on a farm now 
occupied by Mr. Buther. He made a continuous residence in and ai'ound 
this valley, herding cattle, until June 14, 1853, at which time he returned 
to Ohio. On his return to California, in the Spring of 1854, he came via 
Boone County, Missouri, buying a herd of cattle, which he brought across 
the plains, amving in the Montezuma Hills at a place now known as 
Bauman's Ravine, named in honor of Mr. Bauman, as he was an early 
settler in the hills, arriving there in the Fall of 1854. Came to his present 
residence in January, 1862. Married Miss Mary A., daughter of John 
McMullen, September 20, 1860. John, Elveng H. and Lottie May are 
their living children. They have lost two, Clarissa and Flora. 

CHRISLER, P. J., was born in Ontario County, New York, July 4, 1831, 
and here he was educated. In 1854 he emigrated to St. Joseph County, 
Michigan, where he married Sarah M. Pulver, daughter of Fletcher Pul- 
ver, of Lyons, WajTie County, New York, January 4, 1858. She was 
born Mai'ch 14, 1838. They emigrated to this State, and immediately 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 401 

settled in Suisun City. Mr. Chrisler was first engaged in the produce 
trade, on his arrival in this locality, but afterward changed to that of a 
grocer. In June, 1870, he moved to Vaca Valley, five miles northwest 
from Vacaville, erected a house, had a Post-ofBce established, over which 
he presided as postmaster, platted the ground for the purpose of founding 
a village, which he named Tolenas; but on account of the scarcity of 
water the project was abandoned, and he returned to Suisun the same 
year. He is now engaged in the lumber and sewing machine trades, as 
well as having established one of the most important insurance offices in 
this county. Leslie J., Minnie A., Jennie Gertrude (the last deceased), 
Sarah E., William A., Charles D. and Peter Spencer are the names of his 
children. 

CLAYTON, DAVID J., a native of Logan County, Kentucky, born January 
30, 1812, where he lived until fourteen years of age, when he moved to 
Simpson County with his parents, where he resided about thirteen years 
on a farm. He then went to Jackson County, Missouri, and farmed for 
thirteen years longer. In March, 1848, he married Miss Rebecca Jane 
Shaw. On May 15, 1850, he emigrated to California, crossing the plains 
with ox teams, and arrived in Sacramento in September following. He 
prospected about the country until February, 1851, when he returned 
East, via Panama, being on the trip three and a half months. On May 6, 
1852, he again returned to California, bringing with him his wife and two 
children. He aiTived in Suisun Valley, Solano County, October 23, 1852, 
and settled on a farm known as the Baker Ranch, where he lived one 
year. He then settled on his present ranch, consisting of five hundred 
and twenty -five acres, situate about seven and a half miles northwest of 
Suisun City, at the upper end of Suisun Valley. Mary B., deceased, 
James D., Henry B., Martha S. and William L. are the names of their 
children. 

COGHLAN, 0. R., was born in Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois, January 
22, 1847. Hei'e he attended the public .schools for four years. In 1859 
he went to Richmond, Kentucky, where he worked in a printing office 
till 1861, when he went to St. Louis, Missouri. Here he became reduced 
to the most abject poverty, and in order to gain an honorable livelihood 
he worked in a market garden until September 29, 1862, when he enlisted 
in the Twenty -ninth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, which was afterward 
attached to Blair's Brigade, in Steel's Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. 
On December 29, 1862, he was severely wounded in the right breast, 
while engaged in battle at Chickasaw Bayou, or Haines' Bluff, and on 
this account was honorably discharged July 29, 1863. Returning to St. 
Louis, Missouri, followed the common avocations of life till September 
26 



402 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

1864, when he took a course of studies in the preparatory department of 
McKendring College, at Lebanon, Illinois, remaining until January, 1865 ; 
thence to Memphis, Tennessee, where he clerked in a wholesale saddlery 
house, and by industry and honesty was promoted to assistant bookkeeper, 
and on January 1, 1866, took charge of this department. Emigrated to 
California September, 1872, settling in this county in November of that 
year. Commenced the study of law with Judge W. S. Wells, and was 
admitted to the bar January, 1874. Was elected District Attorney in 
September, 1877, and is the present incumbent. Married, on February 
23, 1876, Madge Redman, daughter of C. C. Redman, Esq. of Santa Rosa. 
Mary R. is their only child. 

CROCKER, ASA. This well known old settler came to Suisun City in the 
Spring of 1854, with Captain Josiah Wing, working for that gentleman, 
and afterward opened the first restaurant in that village. He emigrated 
to this State in the bark "Terror," via Cape Horn, arriving in San Fran- 
cisco June, 1853. For a short time he was on a coasting vessel, and for 
five months was employed on the ferry-boat "Ion," plying between Be- 
necia and Martinez; then up the Suisun Bay, on the schooner "Ann So- 
phia," to Suisun, settling as above stated. He is a native of Barnstable 
County, Massachusetts, and born March 24, 1836, coming to California 
from this place. Married Miss Anna B., daughter of William Pearson, 
September 8th, 1861. Horace L. and William Sherman are his li\ang 
children. Frank M., deceased. 

DAVISSON, OBEDIAH, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, July 27, 1810 ; 
here he was educated, and learned in the ways of farming ; married Hulda 
Wyatt, September, 1832. In 1845 they moved to Holt county, Missouri ; 
thence, crossing the plains to California in 1854, settled in this township, 
and on his present farm in September of that year. Has served in the 
capacity of School Director, and ever takes a lively interest in the educa- 
tion of the young. 

Thomas Davisson, his son, was also born in Coshocton county, Ohio, coming 
with his parents to this place, and has always lived with them. He mar- 
ried Letta Owens, September 9, 1875. 

DAVISSON, W. G., was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 22, 1833. 
Emigrated to Holt county, Missouri, in 1845, from which he came to 
this State, crossing the plains with an ox-team, settling in this to'miship 
the first of September, 1852. After working in different places he bought 
his present farm and moved to, and has occupied it since 1854. Has held 
the office of School-director, and through his influence, as well as others, 
their school library contains an excellent selection of books, which denotes 



THK HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 403 

a high standard of intelligence, not only for Mr. Davisson, but for the 
community in which he lives. Married Miss Clara E., daughter of Josiah 
King, of New York State, on June 19, 1866. Their children are : Clara 
Gustavia, Ada Francis, William Sherman, Lula Adell and John G. 

DOWNING, M. D., W. G., the subject of our meTnoir, was bom in Scot- 
land county, Missouri, October 7, 1853. His parents went to St. Louis in 
1862, where young Downing, after the usual course of instruction in the 
grammar school, graduated at the St. Louis University in 1869. He com- 
menced the study of medicine in the Missouri Medical College, in 1870, 
and took his degree of M. D. in March, 1873. In order to better fit him- 
self for a practitioner, he repaired to the St. Louis City Hospital, remain- 
ing three years. January, 1877, he emigrated to Suisun, Solano county, 
Cal., where he has practiced his profession with marked success. 

DUNN, ALEXANDER, County Clerk, Solano county, California, was born 
in Piatt county, Missouri, May 7, 1841, and emigrated to California, cross- 
ing the plains with his parents, and arriving at Placerville October 10 , 
1850 ; from thence proceeding to the Suisun valley December 24 of the 
same year where they located four miles north of Fairfield, the present 
county seat. Mr. Dunn attended the first school ever taught in that part 
of Solano, then kept by John Doughty, and in July, 1852, he moved with 
his father to Vaca valley, who died there on July 5, 1873. In 1867 he 
moved to Mendocino county, and in 1869 took charge of the " Mendocino 
Democrat," continuing its editor for three years, when he returned to 
Vacaville. Mr. Dunn graduated in the Pacific Methodist College at Vaca- 
ville May 14, 1864. In 1873 Mr. Dunn was a candidate for the office of 
County Surveyor, but was defeated by A. H. Gunning, who appointed 
him his deputy ; Mr. Gunning, however, resigning before the expiration 
of his term, Mr. D. was appointed to fill the vacancy on July 12, 1875, 
in which he was confirmed at the general election, held on September 1, 
1875. On September 5, 1877, he was elected to the office of County 
Clerk, and continues to exercise the functions of that position. He mar- 
ried September 25, 1865, Jennie, daughter of J. E. Elder, of Sacramento 
county, by whom he has Eagan Lee and Virginia Ann. 

EDWARDS, JAMES G., born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, April 24, 
1822, and resided there till 1826, when he moved to Franklin county, 
Alabama, from whence he proceeded to Hampstead county, Arkansas, in 
1837 ; after which, in 1849, he emigrated to California, coming across 
the plains, and arriving October 1st, of that year, at Lawrence bar, 
Feather river. Engaged in mining for two years, and then came to Sui- 
sun valley, in October, 1851, and settled on what is now the farm of John 



404 THE HISTOET OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

McMullen. Removed into Suisun city in 1854, and in 1860 came to his 
present farm of 160 acres, where he has since resided. Married, June 13, 
1856, Therza Jane Stone, a native of Missouri, who died August 2, 1867. 
He has, Alice, born June 18, 1857 ; Lam-a, bom April 24, 1859 ; Mary, 
born December 13, 1862 ; Charles Hemy, bona May 6, 1865, and Alabama 
Josephine, bom July 23, 1867. 

FITCH, WILLIAM WAYNE, was bom near Auburn, New York, Octo- 
ber, 22, 1816, and removed to Genesee ceunty, near where now stands 
the town of Nunda, Livingston county, in 1818. Received a course of 
academical instruction at Wyoming, Genesee county, studied and 
practiced sm-veying and engineering under Colonel Elisha Johnson at 
Rochester, New York. Served under the orders of the Provincial 
Parliament in exploring railroad routes in Canada west ; engaged in 
preliminary surveys for a railroad company in Ohio ; removed to De- 
troit, Michigan, in 1837, was engaged on public works, government land 
surveying and private undertakings of a like nature. Came overland to 
California in 1849 and engaged in mining. In 1854, began sur^^eying 
land grants under Colonel J. C. Hays, U. S. Surveyor-General for California, 
and was elected County Surveyor for Solano county, in 1865, which posi- 
tion he held till 1873, and was re-elected in 1877, and now holds the 
office. Mr. Fitch joined the Advent Christian Church, July 4, 1877. 

GILLESPIE, EDGAR FERGUSON, (deceased,) among the most worthy of 
the pioneers of Solano county was the subject of this sketch, who was born 
at West Farms, Westche.ster county. New York, December 7, 1822, and 
died at Suisun on June 22, 1875. Mr. Gillespie when but eight years of 
age removed to North Bend, Hamilton county, Ohio, with his parents 
and, on their death, he changed his residence to St. Louis, Missouri, where 
he was employed as a clerk in a wholesale drug store until 1848, when, 
in connection with his oldest brother he commenced business in Dubuque, 
Iowa. The gold fever breaking out ia 1849, he sold his interest in his 
store to his brothers and came across the plains with an ox team, arriving 
in this State in November of that year. He first engaged in mining at 
Hangtown, now Placerville, until the Summer of 1850, when he entered 
into a mercantile business at that place with Heniy K. Curtis. During 
the Fall of that year Mr. Ciu'tis had occasion to visit Suisun valley and 
was so much pleased with the country that he immediately located two 
claims — one for himself and one for his partner. In 1851, the store was 
disposed of and they took up their residence in the valley and engaged in 
haying and farming until 1853, when they sold their possessoiy rights to 
David and P. 0. Clayton. In 1854, Mr. Gillespie started in business in 
Vacaville, where he I'esided for ten years, being Postmaster of that dis- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 405 

trict for a great portion of that time. On September 1, 1858, he was 
elected Supervisor for the third district and was a member of the board 
when the county seat was removed from Benicia to Fairfield. On Sep- 
tember 2, 1863, he was chosen to fill the responsible position of Sheriff" 
and, on taking possession of his ofiice, removed with his family to Suisun, 
where he resided up to the day of his death. On the completion of the 
California Pacific railroad, he was appointed station agent at Fairfield, 
and he was also elected Justice of the Peace for Suisun township, October 
20, 1869. In 1872, he was appointed deputy recorder by George C. 
McKinley and, in 1873, he was selected, by the people at the general elec- 
tion held on September 3, to succeed that gentleman in the office. Mr. 
Gillespie married in May, 1855, Sarah J., daughter of Captain J. H. 
White, of San Francisco, who died October 4, 1874, by whom there were 
ten daughters and two sons, viz.: Delia, Mary Ida, Luella, Clara, Jennie, 
Sarah, Emma, Augusta S., Efiie, surviving ; and John, Edgar and Cornelia, 
dying in infancy. 

GILLESPIE, GEORGE A., was bom in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 7, 
1830. His parents and the other children of the family were born at 
West Farms, Westchester, New York ; when he was yet an infant, the 
family removed to Ohio and located on a farm near North Bend, and 
about eighteen miles from the city of Cincinnati. Here ten years of his 
life were spent and here his parents died ; the father dying when he was 
of the age of six years, and his mother following the father to the grave 
four years later. In February, 1842, the family of children returned to 
St. Louis and for one year George attended the piivate schools in the city, 
and, in 1843, the family separating, he was sent to Kemper College, an 
Episcopal institution of learning, located near St. Louis. In 1844, he left 
the college and went to live with his eldest brother, who was located in 
Boonville, Missouri, and while here for two years he attended Kemper's 
Academy, closing his school days at this institution. After clerking in a 
hardware store at Boonville for a time, in 1847 he returned to St. Louis 
and took a situation with Joseph S. Pease, one of the pioneer wholesale 
hardware dealers of that city. He remained with Pease until the great 
fire of May, 1849, at which his employer was bmmed out and rendered 
almost bankrupt. In a few months he went into the employment of Hon. 
Henry T. Blow, the then owner of the Collier White Lead Works, as 
paying teller in the purchasing ofiice of that establishment, and remain- 
ing with Blow imtil March, 1850, when he embarked " the plains across " 
to California, journeying from the Missouri river to Sacramento, in the 
then unprecedented time of eighty-three days, and,arriving in Sacramento 
on the 10th day of July, 1S50. After remaining in Sacramento a week 
or two to rest from the arduous trip, he, in company with two of his St. 



406 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Louis companions, left for the mines and located at Rough and Ready, in 
Nevada county, where he spent the Winter. In the Spring of 1851, he 
sold his claims at Rough and Ready and visited his brother, Edgar F., 
who was then keeping store in Hangtown, now Placerville, and from 
here he went to Horse-shoe Bar on the American river, near Auburn, to 
see another brother, who shortly after returned to Ohio. He at once en- 
gaged in mining and remained in this locality until April, 1852, when he 
joined his brother, Edgar, who had located in Suisun valley, in this county 
tlie year before. During the Summer of that year he and his brother 
engaged in cutting and baling hay and conducting a hay-yard at Sacra- 
mento city. In the Fall they gave up the hay-yard and commenced 
preparations for planting a crop of barley, on what is now known as the 
Clayton Place, at the head of the valley. The primitive farming of this 
period presenteil many novel features and more serious obstacles. There 
being no lumber for fencing or building purposes, ditches were dug and 
the crests of the sod covered with the branches of the valley oaks to 
warn away the numerous bands of cattle and horses, and prevent their 
intrusion upon the newly sown grain. Plenty of hay could be cut in the 
Summer but, for want of proper shelter, it could not be preserved for use 
in the Winter, and the old system of stacking, so much in vogue in the 
Eastern States, here proved an absolute failure ; and barley being very 
scarce and rating at an enormously high figure, feeding the working ani- 
mals after the common method was out of the question; therefore, the 
animals were nightly turned out upon the grass to obtain sustenance ; and 
each morning were caught up and harnessed to the plow for the daily 
task of plowing an acre or an acre and a half. And, during the Winter, 
bread-stuffs, in the valley, became inconveniently scarce. To get flour 
was an impossibility ; and shorts rated in Benicia at $20 per hundred 
pounds ; and, owing to the excessive rains of the season and the miry 
condition of the ti'ails, it was next to impossible to obtain any provisions 
from Benicia, accordingly, the settlers in the upper part of the valley, 
during the most of that Winter, had to rely for breadstuff on a few sacks 
of shelled corn, which was, fortunately, in possession of one of their 
number, and this corn was prepared by first grinding it in a rough iron 
hand-mill, and, with this meagre preparation, it was mixed into bread 
batter, without so much as a partial ac(juaintance with the time-honored 
sieve. It made wholesome food, however, and the civilized plague of 
dyspepsia was, to these hardy pioneers, wholly unknown. Game and the 
bands of wild cattle ranging in such vast numbers in the Suscol hills, 
furnished the settlers with meat, with occasionally a piece of salt pork to 
flavor the savory dishes prepared by the more experienced cooks. Hunt- 
ing, shooting matches, and an occasional scrub-horse race, furnished the 
only amusement of the times, until female immigrants became more 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 407 

plenty, when the coarser spotts of the men gave place to the more civil- 
ized pastime of the country dance. 

The yield of the soil at this cropping was extremely good, and in one or two 
cases as high as seventy bushels of barley per acre was realized. The 
harvesting commenced about the 20th of June, and the grain was cut with 
the old style cradle, and bound into sheaves, and threshed by the tramp- 
ing of horses, or the services of an endless chain machine — there being one 
or two of the latter brought to the valley. Nearly all of the products 
of the valley of that year were sold at Sacramento, being shipped there 
from the Suisun Embarcadero by sail vessel, and the barley bringing, in 
that market, an average of three and one-half cents per pound. 

Mr. Gillespie continued farming until the summer of 18.56, excepting per- 
haps a year intervening, when he went into the employment of John 
Doughty, one of the first storekeepers at Cordelia, to manage that gentle- 
man's business, while he was absent representing the people of the county 
in the Legislatui'e of the year 1855. On Christmas day of 1856 Mr. Gil- 
lespie commenced the foundation of the first store and second building in 
Silveyville, where he remained, merchandising, until the fall of 1859, when 
he sold to the firm of Deck & Co., and then engaged in sheepraising. In 
the spring of 1860, he was appointed Deputy County Assessor, under 
Capt. E. H. Von Pfister, the then County Assessor, and remained with 
him until the work of the year was finished, resigning in the month of 
December. In January, 1861, he was elected Engrossing Clerk of the 
State Senate, and again in 1862 was re-elected to the same position. Re- 
turning to the county again, in the summer of that year, he located at 
Maine Prairie, to buy wheat, as the agent of Gen. John B. Frisbie, who, 
that year, had commenced the business of shipping grain to Liverpool. 
The rejection of the Suscol grant by the courts, shortly after, put an end 
to the General's wheat speculations, and Mr. Gillespie left his employment, 
and engaged in the drug business at Maine Prairie, in partnership with 
Dr. S. K. Baker, — remaining there until the March of 1864, when he went 
into the Sheriff's ofiice at Fairfield, under his brother, who was Sheriff, 
as deputy and jailor. At the end of the term, in March, 1866, he removed 
to Suisun City, and, during that summer, was the active projector and 
and first secretary and superintendent of the present Suisun and Fairfield 
Water Company. In September of that year, in partnership with Wood- 
ford Owens, Jr., he purchased the Solano Press, a newspaper, published 
at Suisim, and, under the firm-name of Geo. A. Gillespie & Co., continued 
the publication of that newspaper until the latter part of 1869, when the 
Solano Press and Solano Herald were merged into a new paper, called 
the Solano Republican, published by Powers & Gillespie. This firm con- 
tinued the publication of the Republican until 1872, when Mr. Gillespie 
sold his intei-est to his partner, 0. B. Powers, and soon after removed to 



408 Tin: iiistouy ov soi.ani^ county. 

Aiitioch, in Contiu Costa county, where he was cnt^ed in business for 
about two yoai"s, ivturning to the county in 1874, to go into the Record- 
er's office, lus (I deputy, under his brother, whose failing lienlth incapaci- 
tated hin» fron) attending to the duties of his position. Recordei- Gilles- 
pie dying before his term of otfice expired, William Wolf was appointed 
Recorder, and Mr. Gillespie was ivappointed deputy under him, and re- 
mained in the oltice to the close of the term, in March, 187ti. Having been 
elected a Justice of the Peace for Suisun township the fall before, he then 
opened an ottice in Suisun, and, for the t^n-m following, was an acting 
Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. In Marcli, 1S7S, he was ap- 
pointed Deputy County Clerk untlor Alex. Duini, which position lie holds 
at the writing of this lx)ok. 

Mr. Gillespie is a man of positive convictions and of activity of character, 
and has taken a prominent piu-t in public atlaii-s, his name appearing, all 
along through the annals of the county, for the past twenty -seven years. 

In 1S()'2 Mr. (lillespie was married to Miss Mary E. Crousy, a native of 
.\uburn. New York, who is well known in musical circles as a good vo- 
calist and aji excellent piano perfornier. besides enjoying the distinction 
of Wing a Past Worthy Gi-and Matron of the adopt^nl Rite of Eastern 
Star, of the State of California. To this iniion two children were born, 
a son. named Guilfonl. and a d.iughter, named Rena. born respectively on 
October Kith. KSl^S, and July li>th. 1S71. 

GOODWIN, B. H., a native of Gxfoni county, Maine, born Nov. 22, 
lS-;>. where ho was educated and learned the t.nide of blacksmith, which 
he luis followed as a business ever since. At the age of 20 he went to 
Southlvnvw, Mass.. and ivmained a short time, thejice back to his bii'th- 
place on a short visit, thence to Rockford, Mass.. where ho worked at 
trade for alxmt four months, after which, ho preceedod to Boston and 
started on a whaling voN-age; weoit around the Capo of Good Hope to the 
Oakheart Sea, ai\d from t^iere to the Sjvndwich Island, where he remained 
alxnit four months, when he returned to Oakheart Sea. and frem tJiere to 
the Islands, whore he remained and worked at trade four montlis longer, 
and then shipped again for the Oakheai-t Sea, where he remained several 
months, following trade and whaling, when he again returned to Sand- 
wich Islands. Aft<^r remaining here alx>ut six months came to San 
FiTuicisco, arriving May. lSot5. After remaining one month in Auburn. 
Placer county, ho came to tliis county and settled in Benicia, where ho 
remained until PoeomlKT. ISoti. Ho then returne^l to Sandwich Islamls, 
and remained thivu_;h the winter, and in the spring retiniiod to Benicia, 
whore ho followed his trade until September, when ho came to this valley 
and worked at trade near the ujarble quairy. alxnit four miles north-east 
of Suisim. AKnit two montlis later he settled in Fairtiold. where he 



I 



THK FflSTOKY OK SOI.ANO COUNTY. 409 

built a shop, in company with J. Foster, which they conchictcrl but a few 
months, when Mr. Goodwin went to Suisun and worked for Sim. Ramway 
for abotit one year, when he bouglit Mr. Ilamsay out, and entered into 
partnership with L. H. Fowler. They njuiaincd together aViout one year, 
after which he worked for different parties for ai)0ut one and a-half 
years, when he again settled in Fairfield, where he has Vjeen doing busi- 
ness on his own account ever since. Mr. Goodwin married Mi.ss Catherine 
(!ronan, October 30, IHti'.). Minnie K., Katie L, fdecea.sed,) Katie E., 
Benjamin (J. (decea.sed,) Laura E., George l-*., Nellie F., (deceased,) are the 
names of their children. 

GREGORY, JOHN M., second .son and third child of Hon. John M. 
(iregoi'y, and Amanda M. Wallace, was born March 0, 1840, at Williams- 
burg, Virginia; removed to Richmf)nd in 1841, and lived in and near 
Richmond till the fall of 18G0; entered Richinond Baptist College in 
March, 1853, and graduated in June, 18.57, witli the degree of B. A.; then 
went to the University of Virginia ; remained there three sessions and 
graduated in 1860, as Master of Arts; then commenced the study of law 
with Thomas Wallace, liis mother's brother, and continued the study of 
law with his father, until the month of May, 1861 ; entered the Confed- 
erate Army, joining the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, an infantry com- 
pany commanded by Capt. O. J. Wise, a son of General Henry A. Wise, 
to whose brigade the company was attached ; served for two months, and 
then, in August, 1861, joined the Rockbridge Artillery, attached to the 
Stonewall Brigade, as a private, and remained in that company until 
February, 1863 ; was then appointed 1st Lieutenant of artillery, and 
was assigned to duty with Col. Wm. Allen, chief advance officer of 
Stonewall Jackson's corps; was then a.ssigned to duty as Chief of Ad- 
vance of th(; artillery of the same corps ; was afterwards promoted to 
Captain of Artillery, and left the army at Appomattox^(J. H., after the 
surrender of Gen. Leo ; then resumed the .study of law, but carried on 
the lumber bu.sine.ss at the same time, until the fall of 1868; came to 
California, by the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in October, 1868 ; taught 
school until SepternVjcr, 1869, and then enttjred upon the practice of law, 
at Vallejo, Solano county ; was City Atttorney and City Clerk,of Vallejo, 
and in DeceinVjer, 1873, was elected County Judge, of Solano county, 
and served four years ; was re-elected in October, 1 877, and is now 
County Judge. Was married May 1, 1872, to Evalyn T. Craven, third 
daughter of Rear-Admiral Thos. T. Craven U. S. N., and now has two 
children, John M. Gregory, Jr., bom in Suisun, Solano county, June 26, 
1875, and TIjos. Craven Gregory, bom at the same place, October 4, 1878. 

GREEN, GEORGE, is a native of Middlesex county, Mass., where he was 
boi'n May 15, 1828, and was educated in his native county. In 1840, 



410 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

moved to Wooster county in that State, residing there until September 
15, 1852, at which time he emigrated to California, remaining in Sacra- 
mento for three months. Soon after the fu-e, which occurred in that city 
November 25, 1852, he settled in San Francisco, remaining till 1853, when 
he returned to Sacramento. In February, 1855, he came to Suisun, Sola- 
no county, where he has since resided. Married Georgia S., daughter of 
Joseph Spiller, from western Massachusetts, September 21, 1871. Mr. 
Green, for many years, has been engaged in stock-raising, and is now with 
Harvey Rice in the butcher business. 

HAILE, HONORABLE R. C. The subject of this sketch is a native of 
Smith county, Tennessee, receiving his early education at Nashville, after 
which he moved to Sumner county, and there engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits from the years 1836 to 1839. On the 17th November, of the first- 
mentioned year, he married Miss Susan C, daughter of Joseph Seawell, 
when he proceeded to Lafayette county, Miss., and was respectively em- 
ployed in school-teaching, book-keeping,and clerking. Here he remained till 
the spring of 1849, at which time he emigrated to California, crossing the 
plains with an ox-team, (leaving his family at Lafayette) and arrived at 
Sacramento on October 7th, of that year. At this place Mr. Haile re- 
mained but a short time, when he went to Nevada City, and there pur- 
sued mining, which he followed for about a year ; he next moved to 
Napa valley and farmed, in partnership with L. C. Burroughs, and Major 
John H. Seawell ; -wath this occupation was combined that of lumbering. 
The partnership was dissolved in 1857, when Mr. Haile, still continuing 
farming, added merchandizing to his business. In the fall of 1858 he 
sold out and purchased his present property in Suisun valley, consisting 
of 510 acres, situated about seven miles northwest of Fairfield, where he 
has since resided. 

Mr. Haile has taken a very prominent lead in the aifairs of the State in the 
section in which he has resided. In the year 1853, when in Napa county, 
he was elected to the Supervisoral chair, which he occupied for three 
years. In 1855 he was elected to the Legislature, from the same county, 
serving during the session of 1856. In Solano county he has twice rep- 
resented the district in the Legislature, in the sessions of 1869-70 and 
1877-78 ; while he has served as a School Trustee ever since his arrival 
in it. 

Mr. Haile's life, however, has not been all a pleasant sunshine. We have 
mentioned above that when first coming to California he had left his wife 
in Lafayette ; in 1851 he returned for her and his family, and commenced 
the fatigue of crossing the plains, with them, at the same time having in 
charge 100 head of cattle. When at Platte river, Mrs. Haile was siezed 
with cholera, from the efifects of which she succumbed on June 2, 1852- 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 411 

Here, far away from friends, on the lonely waste of an unknown border, 
was this fair pioneer buried, near Fort Kearney, on that river, leaving 
naught but a mound, heaped by loving hands ; the last tender offering to 
a devoted wife and mother, by her sorrowing husband and children. On 
September 21, 1853, Mr. Haile re-married, Mrs. Susan D. Sears, of Suisun. 
His children by his first marriage are : Joseph S., born August 16, 1837 ; 
Martha A., born March 27, 1839 ; Leeman, born November 25, 
1840; Sarah J., born September 16, 1843; John W:, born AiigiLst 23, 
1846; and Susan H., born December 1848. By his second wife there 
are : Han-iett E., born July 13, 1854 ; James H., born May 22, 1857 ; 
Lucy W., bom July 27, 1859 ; Richard C, born November 13, 1862. 
Leeman died June 13, 1873. 

HALE, DAVID, is a native of Oakland county, Michigan, and born Nov. 
19th, 1839, where he was educated and followed farming. In 1860, he 
emigrated to California, landing in San Francisco on April 24th, of that 
year. On April 25th, he came to Suisun, and was employed by J. B. 
Hoyt, the greater part of the time, for four yeais, after which he followed 
teaming six years over the Sierra Nevada mountains. In 1869, he 
bought what was known as the Ewing ranch, comprising one hundred 
aci-es, three and a-half miles west fi'om Suisun. September 8, 1869, he 
married Laura P. Wing, a native of Maine. Louisa A., and William, are 
their children. 

HAMMOND, E. A., a native of Simpson county, Ky.; born October 8, 1837. 
At the age of one year he moved, with his uncle, David J. Clayton, to 
Jackson county. Mo. (he being an orphan), where he lived until 15 years 
old, when he emigi-ated, in company with his uncle, to California, crossing 
the plains with ox teams, arriving in Suisun valley October, 1852. He 
worked at farming in this county until 1856, when he went to Sonoma 
county, where he engaged in the sheep business, remaining there one 
year, and thence to Napa county, and engaged in the cattle trade, where 
he remained about two years. He then returned to this county and set- 
tled in the upper end of Suisun valley, where he farmed for one year, and 
then turned speculator, dealing in horses and cattle, and working by the 
month until 1867. Married Miss Catherine Ives, April 7, 1867. He then 
rented a farm, which he occupied for about two years, in Napa county, 
and then purchased a farm in Pope valley, Napa county, where he re- 
remained for four years. He then returned to this county, and farmed 
the widow Clayton farm, in Suisun valley, which he conducted one year. 
After farming in different parts of this county and Napa for a few years, 
he made a trip to Texas, where he remained about eight months, when 
he returned to California, and, after working for a few months as a farm 



412 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

hand, leased the ranch where he now resides, in Suisiin valley. Mary F., 
Charles C. (deceased), James S., and William E. are the names of their 
children. 

HOOPER, THOMAS P., the proprietor of the Fairfield Hotel, was bom in 
Essex coimty, Mass., November 28, 1840. Here he received his primary 
education. In May, 1857, he emigi-ated to this State, settling in Benicia, 
completing his Education at the St. Augustine College in that citj\ He 
was appointed Deputy Recorder, which position he filled fourteen months, 
and then moved to CollinsviUe and followed merchandizing, and was ap- 
pointed Postmaster. In the fall of 1875 he was elected County Auditor: 
the following spring permanently locating in Fairfield. At the expira- 
tion of his ofiice he bought the Fairfield Hotel and has since been its pro- 
prietor. Married Anna E. Nichols, daughter of Capt. Moses Nichols, of 
Benicia. Their children are Mimiie S., Lillie E., and Fi-ank. 

HOYT, W. K., is a native of Faii-field, Franklin county, Vt., and was born 
on August 7, 1829. Here he received his primary education at the com- 
mon schools. Moved to New York City in 184G, and resided ^vith his 
imcle, W. K. Hoyt. a lawyer in that city, and received his academical edu- 
cation at the " Mechanics High School." His father took up his resi- 
dence in that city some time after Mr. Hoyt airived there, engaging in 
the drug trade. The subject of this sketch went to Saratoga county, N. 
Y., from which he emigrated to California via the Isthmus, and arrived 
in San Francisco February 3, 1852, settling on Spring Flat, El Dorado 
county, where he was engaged principally in mining, but a portion of the 
time was employed as a fanner. In October, 1859, he came to Suisun^ 
Solano county, and for over three j^ears was engaged in the butcher busi- 
ness, but in the fall of 1863 sold out and went to Austin, Nevada Terri- 
tory, and was one of the electors who cast a vote for the first constitution, 
of that State. On his return to Suisun, in 1865, he was elected Super- 
intendent of the Suisun and Fairfield Water Works, and in the meantime 
was engaged in the grocer trade in company with E. D. Perkins, but sold 
his interest in the store to that gentleman a few years ago and has since 
pursued various occupations. Was the Republican nominee for Countj'^ 
Treasurer in 1877, and is the present candidate for that office by the same 
party. Married in Sacramento, Cal., Miss Hannah E., daughter of G. A. 
Hoyt, a native of Lower Canada, March 5, 1859. She was bom April 30, 
1841. 

HUBBARD, HENRY, came to California -w-ith a company- organized at Hart- 
ford, Connecticut, on barque " Selma," Captain Sellew, am^^ng in San 
Francisco October 5, 1849 ; resided in Sacramento the folloAviBg winter. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY 413 

a time of " high water," and gi-eat suffering among many of the people at 
that place. In the spring — 1850— he went to the mines at Caldwell's 
Diggings, now Nevada City, and followed mining and trading, in what 
are now Nevada, Yuba, and Placer counties, with the exception of the 
time occupied by a visit to his friends in his native State and the State 
of Georgia — from May, 1852, to October, 1853 — until July 5, 1856, at 
which time he settled at Suisun, where he has since resided. In 1861, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace and Associate Justice of the Court of 
Sessions, and up to this time has held the position of Justice of the Peace 
— nearly ten years. In 1862, soon after the commencement of the war of 
the Southern rebellion, with the aid and encouragement of others, he estab- 
lished the newspaper called the SoLANO Press, through which to uphold 
and encourage all friends of the cause of his country, and continued its 
management until the fall of 1866, when he retired. It can be truthfully 
said that he has been specially interested in all matters of public intei-est 
in his adopted home. 
He was born in Bloomfield, Connecticut, May 24, 1820, and received his 
early education at the public schools of his native county, and at the 
Connecticut Literary Institution, at Suffield. Married Clarissa Eliza- 
beth House, in 1846, who died in 1868. He again married, January 26, 
1878, Elizabeth (Alderman) Jackson. Has two children by his first mar- 
riage — Henry F., and Julia. 

JONES, JOHN M., the Under-sheriff of Solano county, was born in Wayne 
county, Kentucky, March 30, 1832. In 1836 he, with his parents, moved 
to Howard county, Missouri, but after one year, settled in Scotland county 
in that State, where Mr. Jones received his early education, and finished 
the same at the State University, in Boone county. In 1853 he crossed 
the plains with an ox-team, also bringing a drove of cattle, which he dis- 
posed of and settled in Suisun, in September, of that year. During the 
years 1855-6 he was engaged in mercantile trading, having built a build- 
ing for that purpose in the rear of Reeve's corner brick block. He after- 
wards engaged in the lumber trade, under the firm name of Jackson & 
Jones, which he continued until his appointment as Under-sheriff, in 1857, 
by Sheriff B. T. Osborne, which position he held during the official term. 
In the years 1860-1 we find him engaged in the livery business, which he 
had bought of Mr. Barton, when he moved to Austin, Lander county, 
Nevada, but returned to this county in 1866, engaging in farming until 
Mai'ch, 1876, when he was again appointed Under-sheriff, which position 
he now fills. Married, in this county, Isabella, daughter of Hugh Pen- 
nel, November 19, 1857. The names of their living children are : Jennie, 
Helen, Etta, and Katie. James L. died in infancy. 



414 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

KENNEDY, W. T., bom in Fredericks county, Maryland, October 5, 1814. 
Here he was educated. December 16, 183.5, he moved to Lafayette, Ind., 
where he served an apprenticeship at the saddle and harness business, and 
followed it in St. Louis, Missouri, where he moved in 1844. After going 
to Keokuk to reside three months, he returned to St. Louis, Missouri, and 
on December 16, 1848, started for California via New Orleans and the 
Isthmus, arri%'ing in San Francisco May 22, 1849. For several years after 
coming to this State he was engaged in mining, and after drifting around 
for awhile, following difierent occupations, he came, on August 15, 1856, 
to Suisun city, where he has since resided. On December 12, 1858, in 
this town, he married Annie Maloney. They have five children, whose 
names are as follows : Willie T., Anna Laura, George H., Mary C, and 
John Francis. 

KERNS, J. W., was born in New York City, June 19, 1842. When four 
yeai-s old he went, -with his parents, to Rochester, New York, where he 
received his primary education. After remaining here about ten yeara 
he moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he learned the tinner's trade, and 
was employed in the railroad shops, doing their tin and copper work, up 
to the time he left for New York City, in May, 1861, taking passage on 
the steamer " North Star," for California, landing in San Francisco in July 
of that year. From here he went to Sacramento, working at his trade 
for three months, when he moved to Downieville, Sierra county, Cali- 
fornia, following the same occupation until July, 1863; thence to Virginia 
City, remaining until November of that year. Returned to San Fran- 
cisco, and remained until December, 1863, when became to Suisun, work- 
ing for F. J. McGarvey and others, when he went into business for him- 
self, June, 1873, being that of a hardware and tin store. Married, October 
25, 1876, Miss Josie Odell, of Sacramento. She was born August 5, 1855. 

KINLOCH, JOHN G., a native of this county, born in Benicia, Solano 
county, California, April 13, 1855. Came to Suisun in company with his 
parents in December, 1859. Here he lost both father and mother. His 
father, James W. Kinloch, was a native of South Carolina. He died 
February 9, 1861. His mother, a native of Florida, died Febi-uary 11, 
1878. The subject of this sketch was educated in Suisun, at the high 
school, after which he entered the store of E. D. Perkins, as clerk, in 1873, 
and has since been constantly in his employ. He is a young man of 
ability, and not only has the confidence of his employer, but has the esteem 
and good will of all who Jsnow him. 

LAMONT. GEORGE A., was bom in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, June 19, 1844. 
In 1847 moved with his parents to Little Rock, Ai'kansas, and in 1850 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 415 

proceeded with them to Boone county, Kentuckj'', where he commenced 
his early education. In September, 18.54, they came to Solano county 
and settled in Yallejo, where he received the ground of that education 
which has since stood him in such good stead. In 1861 he went to the 
Collegiate Institute at Benicia, where he gi'aduated in 1863, taking a high 
position in the law depai-tment. Was admitted to practice in 1865, and 
was elected District Attorney in 1869, taking his seat in 1870. Came to 
Faiiiield in 1876, where he has since continued in the practice of his pro- 
fession. Married Hattie E., daughter of John E. Yount, and has one 
daughtei", Ellen. 

LE GRO, RICHARD P., was bom in Cumberland county, Maine, July 4, 
IS-t-t. Hei'e his parents died, and he went to Boston, Massachusetts, re- 
siding there imtil the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he en- 
listed in the Twenty-fifth Maine Volimteer Infantry, a regiment raised 
for the nine months' service, and honorably discharged at the expiration 
of the term. In 1863 we find him in Norfolk, Virginia, whither he had 
gone to work in the gas-works, with a brother-in-law, for nine months; 
after which he returned to Boston, again enlisting, in the regular array, 
serving three years, and discharged at the barracks in Omaha, Nebraska, 
in 1868. After returning to Boston on a \'isit, he came to Suisun, arriving 
October, 1868, securing a place in the Suisun City Mills, which he still 
occupies. Married, in this city, Miss Kate, daughter of C. D. Smith, July 
4, 1872. Bertie L. and Eva A. are their childi-en. 

LEITHEAD, WILLIAM, native of Roxburgh, Scotland, born March 28_ 
1838. His parents emigrated to Canada when he was but six months 
old. Here he received his education, and learned the trade of carpenter. 
At the age of twenty-two years he emigrated to California, arri%ang in 
San Francisco June 3, 1859, and immediately came to this county, where 
he labored on a farm for nearly two years, when he went to Nevada and 
followed teaming for sixteen months, and then returned to this county, 
and worked for S. K. Nurse two years. In June, 1865, he returned to 
Canada and spent three years, and one year in Illinois, returning to this 
county in 1869. After following his trade one year he engaged in farm- 
ing viith his brother James, for two years. In the Spring of 1874 took a 
trip to Carson, and returned in the Fall of 1875, since which time he has 
followed his trade. In February, 1879, he purchased a farm of four hun- 
dred and eighty acres, four miles due north from Suisun, and will make 
farming his business in future. 

LEMON, JOHN B., son of the Honorable J. M. Lemon, was born in 
Clark county, Indiana, on December 19, 1825, and ten years later he 
moved to La Porte, Indiana, at which place he was educated. In 1849 he 



416 THE HISTORY OF SOLAXO COrXTT. 

came to California, and was one of that gi-eat number of pioneers who 
have done so much to place this State in the proud position it holds in 
America. On tirst arrivinir Mr. Lemon settled in El Dorado countv, where 
he resided two years, occasionally engaging in mining; while, during the 
Winter of 18J^9-50, he was located at Kelsey's Dry Diggings, where he 
opened and managed a store for genei-al merchandise. From thence he 
went to Coloma, where he remained a short time and pureued the same 
occupation. In the Spring of 1850 he transferred his interests to Green- 
wood Valley, and was the first to establish a mercantile store in that 
place; and in the following Spring returned to Indiana, and at La Porte 
married, on April 1, 1852, Miss Hattie A., daughter of Dr. A. Miller, of 
that place. aft«r which he returned to California, di-iving across the plains 
a herd of cattle. In September, 1852, he settled in Green Valley, Solano 
coiuaty, where he resided until May 1, 185(3, at which date he purchased 
the interest of Jones &: Samuels in their dry-goods store in Suisun City, 
which he in turn sold out in 1861, and embarked in the occupation of 
sheep raising, being at one time the lai'gest buyer of wool in the county, 
Mr. Lemon has been inseparably connected with the political histoiy of 
the county since his residence in it, and has lieen elected to the 
prominent position of County Treasiu'er on the several genei-al elections 
held on September C, 1865, September 4, 1869. September 1, 1875, and 
September 5, 1877. His children are, H. Jennie, Mamie, Dennie. 

MANKA, CHRISTLEY, was bom in Bautorte coimty, Va., April 23. 1814, 
and resided there till 1836, when he went to Montgomery county, Indiana ; 
thence to Peoria, Ills., where he stayed for a short time, and then pro- 
ceeded to Lewis county. Mo., where he remained till 1849, when he made 
the trip across the Plains to California, arriving at Saci"amento, (Sutter's 
Fort,) on September 17th of that year-. Went to the mines on Tuba 
creek shortly after, where he stayed for a few months, and then went to 
the Upper Yuba, and there principall}- engaged in storekeeping and min- 
ing till June, 1852, when he came to this disti-ict, and has been a contin- 
uous resident in the toA\-nship ever since, except diuriug the years 1864-5, 
when he was a resident of Bridgeport, after which he came to his present 
abode and farm of one htimlred acres. 

MARSHALL, CHARLES KNOX, Coimty Recorder, and a native of Howaid. 
county, Mo., was early sent to district schools, where he laid the founda- 
tions for a higher education, which he received in Benicia, Solano county, 
at Charles M. Blake's Collegiate Institute, now known as St. Augustine's 
Academy. At the age of twelve his pai-ents moved fi-om Howard county, 
Mo., to Saline, where the subject of this memoir abode imtil 1852, when 
he came to this State, settling in Yolo countv. Januarv, 1853, he settled 





,iyK?<^X^^^ 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 417 

near CoUinsville, Solano county, but subsequently made a permanent resi- 
dence in Benicia. He was born January 10, 1837. Leona, daughter of 
Alexander Irvine, was the name of his wife, now deceased. Pauline and 
Lulu are their children. 

MAXWELL, J. C, is a native of Niagara Falls, Niagara county, N. Y., and 
born June 10, 18.54. He, with parents, moved to Chicago, Ills., in 18.57; 
thence to Dubuque, Iowa, in 18G4, where he attended the common schools 
of that city ; then sent to the Shattock Grammar School, at Faribault, 
Minn., remaining three years, and there acquired those fundamental les- 
sons that eventually ripened into a liberal knowledge of the practical 
affairs of life. His parents, in the meantime, having moved to Omaha, 
Neb., where the subject of this sketch repaired at the close of his school 
days, and was appointed, by the Union Pacific Railroad Co., as telegraph 
operator, commencing this work in the fall of 1869. In the fall of 1874 
he emigrated to this State, settling in Davisville, Yolo county, and was in 
the employ of the C. P. R. R. Co. for one year and three months, when he 
was transferred to Suisun, as station agent for that conapany, which office 
he is in possession of at the present writing. 

MILLER, ALLEN C, is a native of Lancaster county, Pa., where he was 
born, October 30, 1832. In 1833 his parents moved to Erie, Pa., and his 
father. Dr. A. Miller, was engaged in business with John A. Tracy, under 
the firm-name of Miller & Tracy. The family, in 1842, emigrated to La 
Porte, Ind., where the subject of this sketch received his education, under 
the direction of Prof. Cummings. Here Mr. Miller's father died, and he with 
his mother and brother-in-law, J. B. Lemon, came to this State, settling 
in Green Valley township, Solano county, in September, 1852. The fol- 
lowing year we find him mining at Jackson, Amador county, Cal., in the 
Placer diggings; but in July, 1856, he returned to this county, and en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits till April, 1864, when he took up his abode 
in Suisun City. Has been Deputy County Treasurer since the election of 
John B. Lemon to that office. Mr. Miller has maintained a continued 
residence in this county since his coming here, except one year's visit to 
La Porte, Ind., which he made in 1867. 

MILLER, JOHN, born in Wurtemburg, Germany, August 19, 1834. Emi- 
gi'ated to the United States in 1851, settling in Philadelphia, Pa., from 
which place he emigrated on February 22, 1856, settling in San Francisco, 
Cal. Came to Suisun in 1865, and opened his bakery, which business he 
has followed to the present time. He was educated in Germany, and 
those principles of honesty and integrity are deep-seated in his character, 
which makes him respected wherever he lives. Margaret, a native of 
27 



418 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Ireland, and a daughter of John Lyons, he married April 26, 1866. Mary, 
Freddie, and Celia are his children. 

MILES, JAMES L., born in David.son county, Tennessee, near Nashville, 
March 3, 1822. His mother died when he was about eight years old ; his 
father, H. D. Miles, married a second wife. He remained on the farm 
where he was raised until he was about sixteen years old ; he then left 
the old homestead and walked one hundred miles to the mouth of Cum- 
berland river, or the town of Smithland, in Kentucky, where he engaged 
as a common hand on the steamboat " Rio," H. H. Harrison, commander: 
he continued to be engaged in steamboating on various boats and in dif- 
ferent capacities until the 5th of April, 1850, when he left Nashville, 
Tenn., for California. The last five years of his steamboating he was en- 
gaged as pilot on different boats. He left Nashville in company with 
Stephen J. Buckhout and wife, and Thomas L. Bowers, for California. 
Bowers and himself arrived at Hangtown on the 20th of August, 1850 ; he 
worked in the mines until the latter part of >September, then he walked 
to Sacramento city, where he hired to one Capt. Harding, to mow gi-ass, 
down below the city, where he worked until he was taken sick ; he then 
returned to the city, and remained there a few days, until he felt able to 
travel ; he then walked to Suisun valley, where he aiTived the 21st of 
October, 1850, with just one dollar and twenty-five cents in his pocket, 
and all the clothes he had in the world he had on his back, and one 
blanket. He walked to Benicia, and gave seventy-five cents of his coin for 
dinner ; he then returned to Suisun, located here and went to work at 
whatever work he could get, receiving four dollars per day for work. He 
man-ied Mary J. Quentien, daughter of Allen Quentien, the 18th day of 
December, 1851. She, in company with her father and brother William, 
and a negro man, Isaac, crossed the plains in 1850, and settled in Suisun 
valley in October; she and her father were from Mill creek, four miles from 
Nashville, Davidson county, Tenn. He commenced to farm in 1851, rais- 
ing barley and potatoes; he shipped the first produce (potatoes) from Sui- 
sun City, in July, 1852; he shipped them on the schooner "Ann Sophia," 
Josiah Wing captain and owner. The potatoes were sold in San Francisco 
for 9f cents per pound. November 5, 1857, he returned to his native 
State on a visit ; returned to California in February, 1858. In December, 
1858, moved to the Montezuma hills, and lived on a ranch near Nurse's 
Landing, taking care of cattle ; moved from there, in 1861, six miles 
northwest of Rio Vista, where he lived eight years ; his wife died here, 
the 16th of February, 1866, and left him with an only child, and she 
blind ; sold his ranch here in October, 1869 (480 acies); then returned to 
Suisun Valley, and in July, 1870, bought a farm of ninety aci'es, of 
Lewis Pierce, where he now lives. Married a second wife, Malinda An- 



THE HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY. 419 

geline McKmley, June 7, 1877, she having three children: Samuel, Eliza- 
beth J., and Alice Lee. He crossed the plains with mule teams ; was one 
hundred days from the Missouri river to Hangtown, now Placerville. 

MURRAY, ALEXANDER, is a native of Earltown, Colchester, Nova Scotia. 
Born May, 1847. He learned the trade of shoemaker in his native coun- 
try, and worked at it until May, 1868, when he emigrated to California, 
and settled in Suisun, this county, working at his trade, where it is hoped 
he will last long enough to repair all the soles. This done and his mis- 
sion will be complete. 

McCREARY, D., was born in York county. Pa., July IS, 1830, and with 
parents moved to Crawford county, Ohio, where he was educated. In 1848 
went to Ashland, Ashland county, Ohio, and in 1854 emigrated to Cali- 
fornia, crossing the plains with J. L. Sanborn, arriving in the Suisun val- 
ley in August of that year. He paid Mr. Sanborn iSlOO to be taken 
across the plains, all the money he possessed. Having in early life 
learned the gunsmith's ti-ade, he was selected as the blacksmith for 
the party, he being the nearest ajjproach to that kind of a workman 
among their number. A horse which he brought with him he sold before 
arriving in the valley for $200, but sent the money home. It will be seen 
he commenced life in this country without means, but by prudence and 
economy he gathered together a sufficient amount to buy a portion of his 
present estate, southwest from Suisun, and has since added to it, until 
now he owns 760 acres of fine valley land. He moved to Suisun City in 
1878, to educate his children. Married Mary, daughter of John McKnight, 
a native of St. Joseph county, Ind., April 24, 1866. They have Sadie and 
Howard. 

McDonald, D. C, of the firm of Hall, Hill & McDonald, was born in 
Nova Scotia, April 8, 1848. Emigrated from his native country to Cali- 
fornia, settling in this county, near Collinsville, in 1869; the following 
year he came to Suisun, and was engaged in farming until September, 
1877, when he joined partnership in the livery business with the above 
gentlemen. 

PALMER, A. M., LYMAN LUTHER, was bom August 30,1850,near Medora, 
Macoupin County, Illinois. His father's name was Luther Bateman 
Palmer, a native of Knox county, Ohio, and his mother's maiden name 
was Louisa A. Brainard, a native of Addison county, Vermont ; entered 
college, October 21, 1866, at Blackburn University, Carlinville, Illinois ; 
graduated with honors from the Classical Department, June 12, 1873, 
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. June 11, 1877, he had the 



420 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

honor of having the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him by his 
Alma Mater. June 25th, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Maria Frances Nantz. She was born near Carlinville, Macoupin county, 
Illinois. Her father's name was Edmund Walton Nantz, a native of 
Kentucky, and her mother's maiden name was Louisa Julia Bainbridge. 
June 26, 1873, L. L. Palmer and wife started for California, and located 
at Rio Vista, when he engaged in mercantile business for a while. He 
was Principal of the Public School for one year, spent a part of a year 
in Oakland, being connected with the press of that cit}', returned to Rio 
Vista and taught another year, and then began the publication of the Rio 
Vista Gleaner. In February, 1879, he became connected vnt\\ the Solano 
Republican, and at present resides in Suisun. He has thi-ee daughters, 
the oldest, Sarah Estella, was born November 23, 1874 ; the second, Vesta 
Louisa, was born October 21, 1876, and the third, Clara Belle, was born 
December 19, 1878. 

PALMER, S. G., the subject of this memoir, the youngest son of Phillip 
and Ann A. Palmer, was born in Mason county, Kentucky, August 14th, 
1840, removing, with the family, to Johnson county, Missouri, in 1844. 
Here he remained till 1853, when, with his parents, he removed to Solano 
county, Cal., where he has maintained a continuous residence, locating in 
business in Suisun city, in 1867. 

May 5th, 1865, he united his fortunes with Elizabeth T. Smith, daughter 
of C. D. Smith. The result of the union being a handsome business 
competence, and the family supplement of two bright children, Ethel A., 
and Clyde H. October 15th, 1870, Mr. Palmer was commissioned Post- 
master, at Suisun city, his commission being signed by Postmaster-Gen- 
eral John A. J. Creswell, which position he still fills. In May, 1879, he 
was elected to and entered upon the duties of the somewhat responsible, 
though not lucrative oifiee, of Town Trastee. In addition to his public 
services, in a Federal and Municipal capacity, he also served Cristal 
School District one term, as Assessor and Collector, and has ever mani- 
fested a deep interest in the cause of true education, and the general 
dissemination of wholesome knowledge ; having himself enjoyed the ad- 
vantages of a liberal education, and the conferment of the College degree 
of A. B., in May, 1864, after patiently pursuing the necessary course of 
study to entitle him thereto. 

PANGBURN, GARRETT HENRY, a native of Albany county, N. Y., 
was born May 18, 1838. At the age of ten his parents moved to Sar- 
atoga county, N. Y., and, after a few years, to Belvidere, Boone county. 
Ills., and two years thereafter went to Sparta, Monroe county, Wis. Mr. 
Pangburn started for California Api-il 8, 1861, crossing the Plains with a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY 421 

horse team, and arrived in Butte county, where he settled, in July of that 
year. November, 1862, he came to this township, where he has since 
permanently resided. Married Adeline Russell, daughter of Landy 
Alford, Ncfv. 16, 1863. There children are Lillie, Ida May, Arthur, 
James Francis Marion, Julia Belle, and Maud. 

PEARCE, JOHN W., an old settler, of Solano county, was born in Bristol 
county, Rhode Island, July 17, 1829. When a little over seventeen 
years old, he went to Fall River, Mass., and was apprenticed to S. L. 
James & Co., to learn the carpenters and joiners trade, remaining with 
them until twenty-one years old. In 1850, went to New Bedford, Mass., 
where he remained until 1854, when in March of that year he arrived in 
this State, settling in San Francisco. Two years, thereafter, he came to 
Suisun, where he has maintained a continuous residence. Married Angle 
B. Davis, an adopted daughter of Dr. Archer, on Dec. 7, 1863. She 
died in Suisun, October 2, 1872. Maud M., born October 1, 1864, is their 
only child. 

PERKINS, E. D., is one of Solano's old settlers, who was born in Canada, (his 
parents being then citizens of the United States,) March loth, 1834. His 
parents came to Rock county. Wis., where the subject of this sketch re- 
ceived his education, and married Ellen Rittenhouse, daughter of William 
Rittenhouse, of Green county, Wis. They emigrated to this State, 
settling in Suisun city, in 1861. In the fall of 1871, Mr. Perkins was 
elected County Treasurer and Tax Collector, and in 1873, elected Sheriff", 
which ofSce he held two years, and doing the county excellent service, in 
bringing to justice several noted criminals, prominent among which was 
the capture and conviction of "Black Jack," a noted safe breaker. At 
the time he was serving the county as Sheriff", he was also engaged in the 
mercantile trade, with W. K Hoyt, but aftei-wards bought Hoyt's interest 
and is, at present writing, the sole proprietor. Clara, Herman, Dorman, 
Hayden Ellen, and Jessie, are his children. 

QUICK, W., is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and was born September 
29th, 1835. Here he received his education, and worked at farming, 
until about nineteen years old, and emigrated to California, crossing the 
plains in 1854, and located in Napa county. In 1855, he went to Vallejo, 
where he was engaged in draying during the winter, and then came to 
Suisun Valley, where he was engaged in farming, from 1856 to 1863, at 
which time he went to the mountains, mining for one year, and returned 
to Suisun Valley. In 1869, we again find him in the mines, whei-e he 
stayed four years. He again returns to this county, and settled in the 
Montezuma hills, working for W. B. Brown one year, after which he 



422 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

farmed on his own account. In the fall of 1875, he bought the ranch 
where he now resides, and is located about three miles north-west of 
Suisun. 

RICE,' HARVEY, was born in Marlboro, Middlesex county, Mass., April 3, 
1827. He was educated in Marlboro, and was engaged in farming during 
the summer, and taught school in winter, for a livelihood. Emigrated to 
this State in 1849, coming via Cape Horn, locating in Benicia, June 10, 
1850. The following year he moved to San Francisco, purchasing stock 
in Oregon for the trade in California. In the fall of 1851 he made Sac- 
ramento his home, pursuing the butcher business as well as the stock 
trade, but changed his residence to this county in June, 1855, settling on 
a rancho in the Suisun valley. In 1863 he came to Suisun City and, the 
following year, opened his butcher-shop, and at the present writing is the 
proprietor. 

RICHARDSON, J. B., is a native of Le Roy, Genesee county, N. Y., where 
his parents had settled in 1810, there being only three log hoases in the 
city of Rochester when they passed through that place. Mr. Richardson 
has traced his genealogy to one Amos Richardson, who emigrated from 
England, in 1640. He was born on June 10, 1827, and received his edu- 
cation at his birth-place. In 1848 he moved to Lafayette county, Wis- 
consin, and was by occupation a farmer. Returning to his former home 
in 1851, where he married Miss Kate Richardson, from Le Roy, Genesee 
county. New York, on May 15, 1850. They returned to Wisconsin, where 
they abode until 1860, then emigrated overland to Suisun, Solano county, 
Cal., arriving September 4th, of that year. On his arrival here he was 
entirely destitute of money, and in order to gain a livelihood for himself 
and wife, worked at " whatever his hands found to do," until appointed 
Assistant A,ssessor, November 16, 1865. WTien the law was changed, 
in July, 1875, he was appointed Deputy Collector of U. S. Internal Rev- 
enue, which office he now holds. He has steadily pushed ahead in his 
special avocations, and those with whom he has had business associations 
aver that his efforts have been crowned with success. Belle Eliza, and 
William Manning, are their children. 

ROBBINS, R. D., was born in Bodoingham, Sagadahoc county, Maine, Febru- 
ary 19, 1839. He was educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, in his 
native town. Leaving home in 1860, he took passage on a ship in New 
York on March 20th, of that year, for California, crossing the Isthmus on 
April 20th, and arrived in San Francisco on the 25th. Coming directly 
to the Suisun valley, he commenced life among strangers, first as a hired 
hand under Mr. Pearson, then hauled stone for the Fairfield church, for 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 423 

Nathan Richardson, and afterwards burning lime for James Burnett, and 
on August 1, 1860, commenced work in a lumber yard at Suisun, for 
Nickison & Crowell. May, 1862, he bought one-half interest in a lum- 
ber-yard, of C. Kurlbaum, the firm then being Hook & Robbing. In July 
following he purchased the lumber interest of Nickison & Crowell, and 
in January, 1864, Mr. Robbins bought out his partner, J. S. Hook, and 
has siuce been the sole proprietor. In additien to his large lumber inter- 
ests, he was one of the prime movers in establishing the Bank of Suisun, 
of which he is President. It will be seen that, step by step, the subject 
of this sketch rose from poverty to a position among the wealthy men 
of our county, envied by many. It is also a striking illustration of 
what pluck, energy and honesty may accomplish. Mr. Robbins married 
Sadiatha McCullah, a native of Jeflerson county, Ohio, and daughter of 
John McCullah, on January 19, 1871. Their children are, R. D., Mary 
Emma, John Lloyd McCullah, and Minnie Hoyt. 

ROBINSON, D. D. S., W. H., office and residence, Suisun. Is a Canadian by 
birth. Being left an orphan when quite young, he had the varied tug 
for existence common to all boys who have no home, and who have from 
childhood to be the architects of their own fortunes. At ten years old we 
find him in the town of Biantford, C. W., sub-clerk in a grocery, wages 
two dollars per month ; but before he was eighteen, he had, by his own 
efforts, accumulated over $1,200. With this sum he determined to obtain 
an education, and with this object left his native land to attend Oberlin 
College, Ohio, he being in sympathy with the principles of freedom and 
manhood held and taught in that noted institution. Here he spent six 
years, and then chose dentistry as his life pursuit, studying with Dr. J. P 
Sidall, of that place, and receiving his diploma from the Ohio College of 
Dental Surgery, in Cincinnati. He first practiced in Ashtabula, Ohio ; 
then in Davenport, Iowa, and Leavenworth, Kansas, from 1865 to 1875. 
Four years ago he made California his home. During his boyhood he 
visited the neighboring town of Paris — a few miles from Brantford, C. 
W., his own home — and while at church there, the first look at a little 
girl sealed his door, matrimonially. That little girl was (Jlara Hawkins. 
On the 29th of Jiine, 1864, at her ovm home in that town, they were 
married. She is now his wife. May, Leo, Clara, and Marsa, ai'e their 
children. "Ad Astra fer aspera." 

RUSH, B. F.', was born at Fourteen Mile House, Sacramento county, Cal., 
Oct. 12, 1852. When two years old he came to this county with his 
parents, settling on the ranch where he, at this writing, resides, in the 
Potrero Hills. Received his primary and academical education in Oak- 
land and San Francisco. Attended the Military Academy in Oakland, 



424 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

and afterwards Heald's Business College. In 1870 to 75 he followed 
book-keeping, after which he returned to his home, and engaged in farm- 
ing and stock raising. Hiram Rush, his father, died Dec. 4, 1869, and 
since October, 1875, he has been sole manager of the entire ranch, com- 
prising 5,100 acres. He married June 20, 1876, Miss Anna M. McKean, 
a native of Astoria, Oregon. She was born April 13th, 1853. Richard 
Ira, born July 19, 1877, and Frederick Winn, born March 14,1879, are 
the names and births of their children. 

SPENCE, M. D., ALEXANDER PERSINGER, was bom Dec. 30, 1834, at 
Columbia, Boone county. Mo. Entered the Preparatory Department of 
the State University of Missouri, in 1851, and graduated July 4, 1856, 
after which he took two courses of medical lectures at the St. Thomas 
Medical College of Missouri, receiving his degree from that institution 
March 2, 1858. Has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine 
up to the present time. Came to California March 1, 1877, and located 
at Suisun City, April 1, 1878. 

STAPLES, EARNEST H., is a native of York county, Maine, where he 
was born, on October 14, 1856. AVhen about one year old his parents 
moved to Portland, Maine, where they lived about three years, and emi- 
grated to California, via Panama, arriving in San Francisco, Nov. 13, 1859. 
In 1861 they came to Suisun, Solano county. The subject of this sketch 
was sent to St. Augustine's College, at Benicia, in 1869, completing parents 
education during the five years he attended school there. About one 
year thereafter he sei-ved as a cadet, about six months, on a Pacific mail 
ship, rimning between San Francisco and Panama, after which he re- 
turned to Suisun, and engaged as book-keeper for Lewis Pierce, for a 
term of six months, and afterwards followed the same occupation for E. 
D. Hilborn & Co. In October, 1877, he went on a rancho, at Cannon 
Station, where he has since lived and farmed 1,040 acres of land. On 
August 11, 1878, he mamed Miss Sarah M., daughter of D. J. Reese, of 
Valltgo. 

STAPLES, F. 0., a native of Cumberland county, Maine. Born October 
29, 1825, where he received his primary education and resided with parents 
until he arrived at the age of sixteen, when he entered a drug store as clerk 
in Saco, York county, Maine, where he remained about three years, when 
he engaged in the book and stationery business, which he followed for 
five years. He then went back, and lived with his parents for two years, 
when he went to Birchforce, York county, and, in company with his 
brothel Samuel, bought a farm, where he lived and farmed for three years, 
after which he clerked again in a diaig store, this time in Portland, Me.j 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 425 

where he spent four years. He then emigrated to California, via Panama, 
arriving in San Franci.sco November 13, 1859. Leaving his family in 
San Francisco he proceeded to Suisun, this county. His place of resi- 
dence being divided between Suisun and San Francisco, until 18G1 when 
he moved his family to Suisun, where he has resided continuou.sly ever 
since. In 1869 he, in company with R. B. Cannon, bought a ranch at 
Cannon's Station, consisting of 1,040 acres, but in 1877 he bought out 
Cannon's interest, and he and hLs son Earnest H. now own and conduct 
the place together. Mr. Staples married Miss Sarah W. Cai-dwell, daughter 
of Francis Cardwell, of Greenwood, Oxford county, Maine, on November 
25, 1851. Ida E., born August 29, 1852, and died October 8, 1855 ; Earnest 
H., born October 14, 1856; Julia, bom June 2, 1866, and died June 19, 
1866 : M. C, bom December 11, 1868, are the names of their childi-en. 

STOCKMAN, DAVID E., (deceased), was bom in the city of New York, 
February 7, 1833. Moved to Loudonville, Ohio, from which he emigrated 
to California, settling in Suisun in November, 1856. While in this State 
he continuously resided in Suisun, with the exception of a few months 
before his death. He was one of the founders of the Engine Company, 
and the Light Dragoons ; for a long time Chairman of the Union County 
Committee ; a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was identified with 
nearly every public interest in this community. 

STOCKMAN, D. MERRILL, a native of New York city, arrived in Suisun 
March 1858. His brother having preceded him to this county is the 
reason why he chose this valley for his future home. He had formerly 
resided in Orange, Essex county, New Jersey, where hLs parents had 
moved when he was quite young. In 1836, we find them in Delaware 
count}', Ohio, and again, in 1844, took up their abode in Ashland county. 
Here Mi-. Stockman was educated, and from whence he started for this 
State in December, 1857. He was bom August 22, 1830, and married on 
April 9, 1862, Miss Emma A., daughter of T. C. Everets, M. D. Their 
children are May Ella, Lillie, Emma and Carrie ; D. Merrill, their only 
son, was di-owned in this town. 

SWAN, HONORABLE THOMAS M., is a native of Harden county, Ken- 
tucky, where he was born March 14, 1819, and is the fourth son of Thomas 
Swan. After receiving his common school education, he wa-s sent to 
Elizabethtown to the Harden-county Academy, where all the languages 
were taught, from which he graduated with honors. Commenced the 
study of law, first, with Jesse Craddock and aftei-wards with Gov. John 
L. Helm, of Kentucky; was admitted to the bar in 1842, after which he 
practiced law in his native coimty. He was elected to the lower house 



426 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

of the legislature for the sessions of 1848-9, filling that office with dis- 
tinction. Emigrated to this State, via the Lsthmus of Panama, settling 
in Benicia on January 27, 1851. During this year he was elected District 
Attorney for Solano county, and, in 1853, was elected County Judge. In 
1859, was elected to the lower house of the California Legislature and 
again in 1855. Came to Fairfield on May 9, 1858, for over twenty years 
he has worked for the improvement of the Tolenas Springs. 

TURNER, W. H., is a native of Macdingburg, Virginia, and was born 
December 27, 1816, where he received his education and lived on a farm 
with his parents till twenty years old. At the age of twenty-three, he 
emigrated to Cape Girardeau county, Missouri, where he married Susan 
J. Elliott, July 23, 1839. Here he lived and was engaged in farming for 
seven years, when he moved to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he pur- 
sued farming for two years ; came to California, leaving his family, cross- 
ing the plains with an ox team, arriving in Nevada city, September 15, 
1850, at which place he followed mining about five months, after which 
he went to Red Bar, Trinity river, going into partnership with J. B. 
Rentchler, where he remained about eight months, then went to San 
Francisco, going East via the Nicaragua route, landing in New Orleans, 
thence up the Mississippi river, Mr. Rentchler going to St. Louis and Mr. 
Turner stopping at Cape Girardeau, where he met his family. After re- 
maining there about two months, he again crossed the plains to this State 
with an ox team, accompanied by his wife and six children and four men. 
He arrived in Suisun valley, August 28, 1852. Five days after his arrival 
he left his family in a small cabin about four miles north of Suisun, under 
the protection of a gentleman, and he, with three men, went to Trinity 
river, to look after his mine he had previously located, but only remained 
about four days, and then returned home, settling on a farm about four 
miles north of Suisun, building a house, the timber for which he brought 
from the Napa red-woods. In December, 1860, he came to his present 
farm of 238 acres, situated about four miles north-west from Suisun. 
His wife died October 11, 1867. The names of the children by this mar- 
riage are, John H., born September 12, 1840, and died July 9, 1866 ; Cebi- 
ner C, born May 13, 1842 ; Richard W., born December 27, 1843 ; Louisa 
J. Shaw, born Januaiy 2, 1846, died April 15, 1871 ; Juliette A., born 
April 21, 1847 ; William W., born February 4, 1849 : Thomas B., bom 
November 4, 1853, and died January 28, 1876 ; Charles M., born August 
19, 1855 ; Frank, born August 23, 1857, and died December 6, 1863. 

Mr. Turner again married, on September 27, 1871, Miss Salina V. F. Rogers, 
in Virginia, and the following are his children : William H., born August 
12, 1872 ; George R., born August 3, 1874 ; Edward, born September 19, 
1876, and died October 3, 1876 ; Leland J., born November 15, 1877. 






THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 427 

TAYLOR, WILLIAM H., is a native of Des Moines county, Iowa, and born 
March 1, 1845. Here he resided until 1852, when he emigrated to James- 
town, Tuolumne county, Cal., coming via the Isthmus, and arrived at that 
place in December, of that year. After two years, he returned to Iowa, and 
remained there until 1856, when he again cams to California. At this 
time he settled in Oroville, Butte county, Cal., where he married Eliza- 
beth J., daughter of J. M. Vance, M. D., then a resident of that place. 
In March, 1875, he came to Suisun, and has since been engaged in the 
mercantile business, under the firm name of Vance & Taylor. Their 
children are, Mary Alice, James Vance, Hattie May, and Jennie Belle. 

VANCE, M. D., JAMES MONROE, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Rogersville, Hawkins county. East Tennessee, 27th January, 1827. Some- 
time during the year 1832 his parents moved to Battle Creek, Marion 
county, Tenn., where the subject of this sketch received his primary edu- 
cation. During his eight years' residence at this place his father died, 
and he was then sent to live with a brother in Jackson county, Alabama, 
finishing his education at the Missouri Academy. In 1840 he, with his 
brother, took* a residence in Arkansas, where Mr. Vance taught school two 
years, then went to Memphis, Tenn., commencing the study of medicine 
with P. H. Lane, M. D., and afterwards attended the Memphis Medical 
College, from which he graduated January 28, 1848. Moved to Arkan- 
sas, where he married Mary Butler, daughter of John Butler. They 
changed their residence to Waldron, Scott county. Ark., where he not only 
practiced his profession, but was appointed Land Commissioner, and spec- 
ulated in lands, as well as carrying on a mercantile business. Emigrated 
to California, settling in Oroville, Butte county, in 1856, where he was 
elected to the State Senate, on the Democratic ticket, in 1859. Came to 
Suisun March 1, 1875. His children are Mrs. Lizzie J. Taylor, Dr. A. W., 
and John B. 

VEST, JOHN, is the proprietor of the Roberts' House in Suisun, and was 
born in Ireland, December 15, 1826. He came to America when nine 
years old, with his parents, settling in Washington county, N. Y. In 
1851 he started for California, arriving on June 13th of that year, locating 
in San Francisco. Was engaged in mining for several years, after which 
he moved to Marysville, thence over the mountains to Storey county, Ne- 
vada, in 1862 ; thence to Washoe county, and on December 2, 1869, came 
to this township, settling on what is now known as the Rush rancho. He 
afterwards, in company with Thomas Melburn, bought a farm, which they 
now own. Moved to Suisun, where he married Mrs. Margaret Roberts, 
and has since been in charge of the Roberts' Hotel. 



428 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

WATERMAN, ROBERT H., for many years a commander in the Mercantile 
Marine, was bom in the city of New York, March 4, 1808. In 1820, he 
shipped on board a sailing vessel as a cabin boy, and passed through all 
the positions and grades of offices to master and owner of a full-rigged 
ship. The latter office was conferred on him in 1833, which he continu- 
ously held iintil 1851. Has five times sailed around the world. He 
■with Captain A. A. Richie, came to Fairfield, buying four leagues of land, 
in 1848, after which. Captain Waterman permanently located here in 1850. 
He is the founder of the town of Fairfield, and great credit is due him 
for taking a lively interest in all that goes to make the county in which 
he lives prosperous. Married Miss Cordelia, daughter of David Sterling, 
of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1846. 

WELLS, JAMES T., was born in Lincoln county, Missouri, on September 
24, 1845, and when quite young he, with his parents, moved near Quincy, 
Lincoln county, Illinois, and in 1856 they emigrated to this State, coming 
via Nicaragua route, arriving on January 19th, of that year. They im- 
mediately settled in this valley, where he has since resided. Received his 
primary education at the University of the Pacific, at Santa Clara, Cal., 
and finished the same at the Napa Collegiate Institute. He was first 
appointed Deputy Sheriff' in 1871, and has since held that position with 
the CKception of a short time while engaged as a Deputy Assessor. Mar- 
ried Frances L. Donaldson, July 5, 1872. She died December 18, 1875. 
Carrie Pearl is the only child by this marriage. He again married, Carrie 
Johnson, daughter of C. John.son, Esq., on June 6, 1878. 

WENDELL, J. F., was born in Farmington, Franklin coimty, Maine, on 
January 21, 1845. On October 2, 1854, he arrived, with his parents, in 
San Francisco, via Nicaragua, and accompanied them to Crescent 
City, Del Norte county, where his father had been one of the pioneer 
settlers, in 1849. He studied law with Judge J. P. Haynes, and 
was admitted to the bar in May, 1867. In the fall of 1869 Mr. Wendell 
came to Vallejo, where he located as a practicing lawyer, continuing his 
profession in that city until elected to the position of District Attorney, 
in 1871, when he transferred his residence to Suisun, where he has since 
resided. Mr. Wendell occupies a prominent position among the legal 
lights of Solano county. He married, November 12, 1874, Emma G., 
daughter of James W. Kinloch, by whom he has, Susie S., born Decem- 
ber 25, 1876, and an infant, born February 8, 1879. 

WING, JOSEPH, (deceased.) The subject of this sketch was born in Bon- 
stable county, Massachusetts, April 4, 1799. He married in his native 
place, Mercy F. Crosby, a native of the same county. They moved to 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 429 

Monroe, Madison county, N. Y.; thence to Hillsdale county, Michigan, Mr. 
Wing coming to California in 1849; but his family returned to Massa- 
chusetts, joining Mr. W. in August, 1852. After Mr. Wing's arrival in 
San Francisco, in 1849, he kept store in the ship " Diantha," which he 
had brought with him from Boston. He commenced running a brig to 
Suisun Island — as it was then called — in the fall of 1850, and for some 
time did nearly all the carrying business of the place. He was a man of 
worth, and beloved by all who knew him. Morris, of San Francisco, 
Chilby.^worth C, of Roberts Island, and Joseph, Jr., are their children. 

WING, Jr., JOSEPH, was born in Medina, Monroe county, N. Y., September 
1,1838. He moved with his parents to Hillsdale county, Michigan, and 
with his mother to Bonstable county, Massachusetts, and emigrated to 
California, arriving in August, 1852, settling in Suisun. His father had 
previously settled here. He is now Manager of the water-works, a trust 
he has held with credit, both to himself and the company \vith whom he 
is associated. He married Gi'ace, daughter of Daniel McDonald, a native 
of Massachusetts, on December 29, 1877. Ruby Elmer is their only 
child. 

WOLF, WILLIAM, is a native of Germany, where he was born March 8, 
1840, and educated in the German language. Emigrated to the United 
States in 1853, where, locating in New York City, he finished his educa- 
tion. In 1859 he went to Tallahassee, Florida, engaging in general mer- 
chandising. Returning to New York City in 1863, engaging in manufac- 
turing and importing. May 12, 1869, he moved to and settled in San 
Francisco, Cal.,and in August, 1870, came to Suisun, Solano county, where 
he has since maintained a permanent residence. Was appointed by George 
C. McKinley, Deputy County Recorder, and re-appointed to the same 
position by E. F. Gillespie in 1874, which position he held until the death 
of Mr. Gillespie in 1875, when he was appointed County Recorder by 
the Board of Supervisors. After the expiration of his term of office, in 
March, 1876, he was appointed to his present position of Cashier of the 
Bank of Suisun. January 28, 1868, he married Carrie, daughter of 
Raphael Meyer, of New Yoi'k City. Addie, their only child, was born 
February 27, 1869. 

WOLFSEILL, MATHIAS, was bom in Howard county. Mo., August 11, 
1810, where he resided for forty years, when, on May 16, 1850, he, with 
his family, left for California, and, enduring the hardships of a journey 
across the plains, arrived at the ranch of his brother, John R. Wolfskill, 
on Putah Creek, on September 30th of that year, and resided on the 
banks of that stream until he moved to his present property in Suisun 



430 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



i 



township, in the fall of 1866. His ranch comprises seven hundred acres 
He married, September 1, 1831, Permelia Ashcroft, by whom he has two 
children alive, John, a resident of San Diego county, and Joseph C, who 
resides with his father. 

WOODS, JOHN, was born in Darke county, Ohio, November 5, 1825, and 
in 1833 moved with his parents to Kosciasko county, Indiana, where his 
father died and he was educated. In the year 1849 he crossed the plains 
to California, by ox-team, and on arrival settled in Napa county, where 
he engaged for a short time in mining, and afterwards in farming and 
stock-raising, which he continued until 1860, when he came to this county 
and located in Suisun valley, where he has since maintained a continual 
residence. Was elected Public Administrator of Napa county in 1855, 
Assessor for Solano county in 1875, and has held for several years, at dif- 
ferent times, the minor positions of School Trustee and Road Master. In 
1852 Mr. Woods paid a visit to his home, returning in the following year. 
He married Cynthia A., daughter of J. W. Aldrich, of Solano county, and 
has Nellie, Warren A., Clara, Sarah, and John. 

BERRY. GEORGE M., was born in Marion county, Tennessee, May 6, 1837. 
When about two years old, he, with his parents, moved to Christian county. 
Ills., where he was engaged as a farmer until 1849, when they changed their 
place of residence to Sangamon county, in that State. In the spring of 
1863, Mr. Berry left home for California, crossing the plains with mule 
teams, arriving in Suisun valley on July 26, 1863. Here he worked for 
other parties for eighteen months, and then rented the land known as the 
Barbour tract, for four years ; then bought a portion of the Keeney tract, 
four miles west of Suisun, which he sold in 1877. He married Nancy 
Barbour, September 5, 1869. She is a daughter of Nathan Barbour, a 
pioneer settler in this county. George M. is their only child. Mrs. Berry 
was born in Suisun valley, September 24, 1851. 

Note. — The above was received too late for insertion in its proper place. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 431 



GREEN VALLEY. 



BALDWIN, J. M., was born in Troy township, Bradford county, Penn- 
sylvania, June 14, 1826, where he resided until October 16, 1852, at which 
time he left for California, via New York City, arriving in San Francisco 
November 18, 1852. Having previously learned the carpenter's and 
joiner's trade, he engaged in that pursuit. The Winter of 1852 and the 
year 1853 he spent in Sacramento, after which he moved to Amador 
county, working in the southern mines for three months ; thence to Placer- 
ville, El Dorado county, working at his trade. In May, 1854, went to 
Oregon, but after two months returned to San Francisco. July, 1854, 
moved to what was then called Mormon Station, Nevada, where he 
engaged to build a grist and saw mill. He afterwards went to Carson 
Valley, followed fanning luitil the Fall of 1864, when he came to Green 
Valley township, purchasing his farm, where he has since resided. Mar- 
ried Miss Carrie Cary, September 11, 1864. Katie, Bertha, J. Monson, 
and Carrie Louise, are their children. 

BIHLER, HENRY, born in Effingen, Grosherzogehun, Baden, on Septem- 
ber 16, 1831, and emigrated to the United States, landing in New York 
City in 1850, and next day went to Baltimore, Mar'yland, where he re- 
mained for five years. In 1856 he came to Napa county, California, and 
carried on the business of butcher in the city of that name for thirteen 
years. In 1869 he moved to Cordelia, where he carries on his occupation 
of a butcher. He mamed. May 9, 1858, Agatha Hock, by whom he has : 
Louisa, born February 21, 1859 ; Wilhelraina, born October 1, 1860 ■ 
Mary Agatha, born July 15, 1862 ; Sophia, born September 19, 1864 ; 
-William Henry, born May 27,1366, since dead; William Henry, died 
September 6, 1867 ; Othilea, born September 14, 1868 ; Frederick W. 
born December 22, 1870; Bertha, born December 15,1874, and George 
Henry, born January 20, 1876. 

HATCH, A. T., native of Elkhart county, Indiana; born January 31, 1837. 
When six years of age his parents moved to Niles, Michigan, where he 
attended common school for five years. He then went back to Elkhart, 
and attended school until fifteen years of age, when he went to Michigan 
City, Indiana, and clei'ked in a grocery store for his father for one year_ 
His father had a bar in connection with the store, and as the whisky 
business was distasteful to A. T. he left home, having only $17 in his 



432 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT. 

pocket, and went to Marquett, Indiana, and clerked for SIO per month, 
for one year, and afterwards worked in a flouring mill at SI 5 per month 
for six months, when he was appointed superintendent of the whole affair, 
which position he held for one year, when he resigned. He then went to 
Cincinnati, and clerked in a large dry goods house about four months, 
after which he clerked in a hardware store for about one year, when he 
emigi'ated to California, crossing the plains with a drove of sheep. A 
gentleman in company with Mr. Hatch, C. C. Goodrich, Avalked all the 
way, cooked for the company, and stood guard everj' third night. The 
company started from Council Bluffs May 22, 1857, and arrived at Big 
Meadows, in Plumas county, September 8th, the same year. He immedi- 
ately went to the North Fork of the Feather river, and mined for Daniel 
Kirkham about three months, afterwards engaged in mining and sheep- 
herding for some time, and finally bought an interest in the Dutch Hill 
mine, where he mined with good success until September 1860. He then 
made a trip to Michigan, and on March 14, 1861, he married, at Cass 
county, Michigan, Miss Mary Graham. On April 3, 1861, he and his 
newly- wedded -wife started for California, with horse team, bringing a 
band of hoi-ses across with them. An-ived at Mountain Meadows August 
22, 1861. In November he went to Cordelia county, where he and wife 
worked for S40 per month, and in the spring he bought a ranch, and after 
farming it one year lost his ranch, owing to a defect in the title. He 
then leased it for one year, and on October 12, 1863, he went to Lander 
count}', Nevada, where he prospected for a short time, and then went to 
Monmouth district, where he located several mines, among which was the 
Niagara Falls, and from which he extracted a handsome fortune. In 
January, 1871, he went to San Francisco, and in February foUo'W'ing he 
came to this county and bought the place where he now lives, consisting 
of 264i acres, situated about three miles north of Cordelia. Has reared a 
family of three children, one of whom is living, as follows : Arthur T., 
born August 28, 1864, and died June, 1870 ; Mary E., born June 2, 1868; 
Jennie P., died September, 1871. 

HUMPHREYS, JAMES H., of Cordelia, was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky 
October 9, 1824. He received his early education in Georgetown in that 
State, and in 1839 removed to Hannibal, Missouri, with his parents. Ten 
years later he emigrated to California and prosecuted mining for two 
years at Placer\alle and vicinity. In the years 18.51-'53 he was in trade 
in El Dorado county, and in the following year he located on the Sacra- 
mento and Placerville road and dealt in hay and grain. In 1855 Mr. 
Humphreys moved to Folsom, and there acted as agent for the Natoma 
Ditch Company for five years.. In 1860 he went into business in Lin- 
coln, Placer county ; in 1863 moved to Colfax ; thence, in 1865, to Sisco, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 433 

Placer county, from which place he went to Truckee in 1868, and in 1872 
located in Cordelia, where he has since prosecuted his trade, selling dry 
goods. Is postmaster of the district. He married, October 1S5S, Kathe- 
rine Sullivan, who was born in Boston December 19, 1840, by whom he 
has: Alice M., born 1859 ; Katie, born 1861 ; HaiTj' J., born 1863; Daisy, 
born 1868; Maggie, born 1871; Charles, born 1874, and Frank, bom 1876. 

JEWELL, W. T., is a native of Sacramento city, California, where he was 
born on September 26, 1855. His earlier years were passed at the 
Seminaries of Calistoga, in Napa county, and Rio Vista, Solano county, 
after which entered business as clerk in the post office at Calistoga, 
where he served during the years 1875-6. In the month of August in 
the latter year he was employed as operator in the telegraph office at 
Yount%'ille, in the same county, and in April, 1878, he moved to Cordelia 
and took charge of the telegraph office for Cal. P. R. R. Co. there, and 
on February 1, 1879, he became agent for Cal. P. R. R. Co. and Wells, 
Fargo k, Co., which position he still holds. 

JONES, P. S., was born in Windsor county, Vermont, March 1, 1828, where 
he was primarily and academically educated, first in the common schools, 
second in the Woodstock University. He changed his place of residence 
in 1849 to Brighton, Mass., and emigrated to this State in 1853, crossing 
via the Isthmus, settling in San Francisco, five years after which he 
moved to Sonoma where he abode ten years when he came to his present 
farm in Green Valley township, since maintaining a permanent residence. 
He is the largest grape grower in the valley as well as the most extensive 
manufacturer of all kinds of wine, which is fully set forth in the town- 
ship history. Married in Sonoma, Mary, daughter of William Swift, a 
native of Henry county, Kentucky, in 1858. Mary J., Frederick H. S., 
and Luman H. are their children. 

PITTMAN, 0. J., (deceased.) Bom in England in the city of Bristol, 
in the year 1824, and emigrated to California in 1850, where he engaged 
in hotel keeping in Grass Valley, and conducting the International Hotel 
in San Francisco, after which he moved to Grass Valley, there also pur- 
suing the same occupation. In 1854 he returned to England and having 
married, he, accompanied by his wife, returned to the United States and 
landed in New York City, but only sojourned there six weeks. Mr. Pitt- 
man, once more started for California in the fall of 1854, on board the 
steamer " Sierra Nevada," and, arriving in San Francisco he became pro- 
prietor of the City Hotel there, which he carried on for some time. In 
1855 he settled in Cordelia, where he kept a hotel, and moving once more 
in 1862, he built the Bridgeport house, which establishment is now kept 
by his widow. 
28 



434 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTV. 

Mr. Pittman married in Bristol, England, Louisa J. May, of that city, May 
28, 18G4, by whom there is an only daughter, Carrie E. J. He died in 
1864. 

PIERCE, LEWIS, the subject of this sketch is a native of York county, 
Maine, and born March 16, 1832. Here his father died when he was but 
five years old, and at the age of ten he took up a residence in Baldwin. 
At the age of fifteen removed to Bedford, York county, Maine, where he 
was educated in a Grammar school. It is no easy task to give the reader 
an idea of the sufferings, hardships and toils this boy experienced, thrown 
into the world as he was and on his own resources to obtain a livelihood 
at the ao-e of ten. But with a courage that is commendable in one so 
young, and a determination to surmount all obstacles be they great or be 
they small, he went at work with a vd'A, saved his earnings, and in March, 
1851, — then but 15 years old— had sufficient funds to pay for a passage on 
the steamer " Pacific " to San Francisco, arri^^ng Julj^ 2d of that year. 
For five years after his arrival in that citj^ he was apprentice to a baker, 
after which he did business on his own account for five more years, then 
came to Suisun with a few thousand dollars, engaging in the grain trade 
amassing a fortune equalled by few in this county. Married Miss Nellie 
B. Staples, January 22, 1874. On a plateau in a westerly direction 
from Suisun, on the banks of Suisun Creek, stands Mr. Pierce's 
handsome new residence. The location is one of the most pictiu-esque 
and attractive to be met with in this part of the county. It commands 
a magnificent view of the bold mountains that fringe the western border 
of Suisun valley. Half encircling it, is a grand amphitheatre of cliffs 
dotted with timber, grass lands and cultivated fields. The building is of 
wood, two stories above a basement of cut stone, constructed in a most 
substantial manner, and ia an unique and highly attractive style of archi- 
tectui-e. It is finished and furnished in a manner appropriate to such an 
enterprise. This house enjoys a happy combination of the useful and the 
beautiful. It is a well-lighted, ventilated, convenient and cheerful home. 
Everything pertaining to its construction is substantial, heav^', rich and 
elegant, but not gaudy. 

SCHULTZ, C, & Co. The brothers, C. and Henry Shultz are natives of 
Hambm-g, Germany. The latter came to California in 1853, and in the 
spring of that year went to the mines, remaining until 1855, when he 
came to this county, settling near Bridgeport where he engaged in farm- 
ing. In 1858 moved to Sacramento county, returning that fall buj-ing 
his present farm in Green Yalley township. Mr. C. Shultz came from 
Germany in 1860 joming his brother in business in the fall of that j'ear. 
He maiTied Anna Schacht in 1871. Then- children are Maggie C. S., and 



I 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. ' 435 

Gesine Henry. These brothers are engaged in manufacturing wine from 
their own vineyard, a full account of which appears in the history of this 
township. 

WILSON, CURTIS. After receiving the foundation of a practical educa- 
tion, in the year 1848, with the rest of the world, Mr. Wilson emigrated 
to California, first proceeding to Oroville, Butte county, where he engaged 
in mining. He only continued at this occupation for one year, when, in 
1850, he came to the Suisun valley and embarked in the occupation of 
farming. In 1852 he was elected to the office of Constable for Suisun 
township, which position he held until the year 1855, when he was called 
upon to take his seat as a Justice of the Peace for Green Valley town- 
ship. Mr. Wilson was elected to the office at the general election of 1855 
and filled the position until 1879, a lengthy period of twenty -four years. 
In the year 1860 he was one of the Associate Justices of the Court of 
Sessions. In 1867 he came to Cordelia, and in the following year was 
appointed station agent of the California Pacific Railroad Company and 
agent for Wells, Fargo & Co., which he held until this year. 

On Februaiy 7, 1866, Mr. Wilson married Miss Melia A. Gilmore, who 
was boi"n in Rockbridge county, Virginia, April 14, 1829, by whom he 
had an onlj^ child, Thomas, who died March 24, 1H70. Mr. Wilson was 
born in Wayne county, Illinois, June 18, 1827. 



436 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



BENICIA 



BENNETT, WILLIAM F;, is a native of England, Isorn at Birmingham, 
August 23, 1822, and left his home at the age of seven for Australia, 
where he served an appenticeship as carpenter in Sydney, remaining 
there until 1849, when he sailed for San Francisco, arriving in August. 
After two weeks he came to Benicia and began work at the Government 
Barracks, where he was employed on and off till 1874, when he went to 
Australia and sojourned for three years, again returning to Benicia, where 
he has since resided. Mr. B. married Mary Ann Boornes, a native of 
Scotland, March, 1874, she being born Septembr 2, 1833. 

BROWN, JOHN R., was born in Nova Scotia in 1845, where he learned 
the business of tanning and currying. He resided there until 1855, 
when he went to Woodburn, Mass., remaining there till 1859, when, in 
May of that year, he went to California and resided in Tuolumne county 
for one year, when, in the spring of 1860, he went to Santa Clara valley, 
where he began farming. In the fall of 1861 he purchased an interest in 
a stock farm on King's river and began the raising of stock, when the 
the flood of 1862 swept away most of the cattle. This disgusted him 
with the business, so sold out and returned to Santa Clara valley, where 
he found employment. He then went to Stockton and began tanning on 
a small scale. On March 16, 1866, he came to Benicia and again engaged 
in the tanning business. Messrs. McKay and Chisholm being afterwards 
in partnership in the same business. 

Mr. Brown mairied Annie Ross in 1863, by whom he has two children, 
Anna L. and Elma D. Mr. B. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and has 
held office in the City. 

BURNS, JAMES, was born in Ireland in the year 1840, and emigrated to 
the United States in 1864, first settling in California, for the last ten 
years of which he has been in this county, and for the last five years on 
his present farm. Married, in 1871, Mary Linehan, by whom he has 
John, Mary, Julia, Katie, Dennis, and an infant. 

CHISHOLM, A., is a native of Nova Scotia, and was born in 1845. In 
1865 he went to the United States and settled in Boston, where he was 
engaged in the business of tanning and currying, remaining only a short 
time, when he started for California, first settling in Santa Cruz, where 
he resided for a little over a year. He then came to Benicia and con- 
nected himself in the same business in 1867, which he still continues. 



p 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 437 

CLYNE, JAMES, manufacturer of wagons, carriages, and agricultural 
implements, was born in County Longford, Ireland, February 22, 1847. 
In 1863 he came to California, and on September 20th of that year 
arrived in Benicia. There he served his apprenticeship with Charles 
Crawford Allen at his trade. In 1868 he established himself in the busi- 
ness which he still continues. Married in San Jose, May 14, 1871, Mary 
Donlon, by whom he has Joseph F., born February 14, 1872 ; Mary M., 
born September 9, 1874 ; Frederick, born February 23, 1877, and Therese, 
born March 25, 1879. 

CUMMINGS, FRANCIS, is a native of Prince Edward's Island, having 
been born November 18, 1839, where he lived till the age of 18, and 
learned the trade of tanning and currying, when he went to South Hing- 
ham, Mass.; thence to Woburn, Mass., where he resided until 1873. En- 
listed in Company G, 5th Mass. V. I.; serving one year, and participating 
in a number of engagements in North Carolina, imder Major-General 
Foster, 18th Army Corps ; after which he was honorably discharged, and 
returned to Mass,, where he resided till 1873, when he emigi-ated to Cali- 
fornia, first settling in Benicia on 16th of June of that year, and estab- 
lished a tannery, a history of which will be found in its proper place. 
Married in Woburn, Mass., Martha C. Richardson. 

DALTON, ALFRED, was born in London, England March 13, 1830. At 
the age of 13 he went to sea, which he followed till 1852, during which 
period he visited his native place several times. He arrived at San Fran- 
cisco in July, 1852, on the clipper ship, "Antelope." Thence he went to 
Sutter Slough, and engaged in gardening and chopping wood. He re- 
mained there until April, 1853, when he was obliged to leave on account 
of a flood ; and having made some slough boats, was enabled to drift down 
with the current to old Rio Vista, where he resided till the flood subsided, 
which was about three weeks. Thence he went to Cache Creek Slough, 
and fixed a tent in the fork of a tree for fear of another flood, and con- 
tinued the same occupation until 1855, and came to Benicia in July or 
August of that year. In 1859 he laid the first pipe to supply the city of 
Benicia ^Anth water. In 1860 he purchased a schooner and traded in 
general merchandise on the Sacramento river, and returned to Benicia 
January 1, 1862, where he has since remained. Mr. Dalton has held 
the office of School Director for six consecutive years, being elected in 
1873. He is now clei-k of the Board, and supervisor of this county, being 
elected September, 1878, on the Republican ticket. 

Mr. D. married Mary Kenny in 1857, at Benicia, who died in 1871, by whom 
he has a family : John H., Alfred, Willie, James C, George E., Ella Flor- 
ence, living, having lost four children — one daughter and three sons. Mr. 
D. married again in August, 1873. Emma Carr, by whom he has no issue. 



438 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

DEMING, CAPTAIN JOHN, (deceased,) was bom in Preston, Connect- 
icut, January 9, 1792, where he resided till 1808, when he went to sea, and 
at the age of twenty -one years old, was commander of a vessel follo^ving 
the sea for many years ; his last sea voyage being on the ship, " Iowa," 
which brought General Rile}' to the State of California, and landing at 
Monterey-, the place for which they were chartered, early in 1849. From 
there they proceeded to Beuicia, where he afterwards was engaged as a 
pilot, between Benicia, Vallejo, and San Francisco, for many years. He 
married Clarissa Hillard, in Preston, Connecticut, September 11, 1817. 
She was born in Preston, January 29, 1792, and died in New York City 
December 18, 18-tG. By this union they had six children. Ann 
Louisa, born July 10, 1821, who married, in New York City, Charles 
Edward Shea, died, in New York City, July 27, 1857, leaving four chil- 
di-en and her husband died, in New York City, November 21, 1859' 
Their third son, Edward, was born March 18, 1826, and was married 
in Peakskill, N. Y., on March 18, 1850, to Esther McCoord. He died 
in New York City, March 1, 1852, leaving an only son, who is now re- 
siding in Brooklj-n, N. Y. Clarissa J., born June 19, 1829, in New 
York City, died June 23, 1830. Charles, born in New York City, Octo- 
ber 29, 1832, died November 30, 1833. Charles Benjamin, born in 
New York City, March 29, 1837, now residing with his brother, John F., 
was married to Mrs. Annie G. Corwin, on August 12, 1868. John F. 
Deming, propriit^r of Glen Cove Ranch, the second of the family, was 
born in New York City, July 9, 1823, where he resided till February, 
1849, when he sailed for San Francisco, arriving there in the latter part 
of June, 1849. He immediately proceeded to the mines, on the north* 
fork of the American river, and prosecuted mining for a few months 
when he returned to Sacramento in December, 1849, and began the gen- 
eral merchandise business on K street, when the flood of 1850 swept 
away all of his possessions. He then proceeded across the river. In 
April, 1852, he returned to New York, and on December 16, 1852, was 
married to Mehetabel C. Geron, she being born in Blooming "Grove, 
Orange county, N. Y., December 12, 1823. Mr. D. returned to Cali- 
fornia in 1853, and immediately proceeded to Benicia, where he remained 
as book-keeper until the .spring of 1855, and again returned east, where 
he remained one 3"ear. In June, 1856, he again returned to California, 
this time being accompanied by his wife, and settling on their present es- 
tate, where he now owns 460 acres of land, all under good improvements. 
Their family consists of two childi-en ; Clara, born November 19, 1858, 
and Henry B., November 14, 1861. 

DILLON, PATRICK W., farmer and stone cutter. Section 28, Benicia To^vn- 
ship, Post-oflice Benicia, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, February 



I 



THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 439 

3, 1820, where he resided till May, 1840, when he sailed for America, 
arriving in New York City in June of that year. He at once proceeded 
to Troy, N. Y., and resided three months ; thence to Lockport, N. Y., and 
remained one year. He then proceeded to Youngstown, on fourth 
Niagara, where he worked at his trade during the summer of 1842, and 
from there he went to Toronto, Canada, where he spent the winter of 1842, 
and '43. In March, 1844, he went to New York City, and worked till 
1846, when in the fall of that year he went to St. Johns, New Bruns- 
wick, where he was employed till May, 1847. He again returned to 
New York and carried on his trade till Janaury, 1849, when he sailed 
for California, arriving in San Fi-ancisco July 8, 1849, and remaining 
in the city for a few weeks helping unload vessels at eight dollars a day. 
He then proceeded to the southern mines, on Wood's creek, and worked 
two months at mining with good success. He then went to Mogason's 
Creek, and from there to Mariposa, Mariposa county, but meeting with 
poor success he returned to Mogason Creek with a colony of Texans, who 
settled there for a short time, and continued mining in different places 
till May, 1851, during which time he endured many hardships. The 
stories told by Mr. D., during his life spent in the mines, are very interest- 
ing, but for want of space we will have to omit them. In May, 1851, he 
came to Benicia, bringing with him eighteen hundred dollars, which he 
invested in the whaif built at Vallejo while the Capitol of the State was 
situated at that place. 
In 1851, he opened a stone quarry on his fruit farm, and in connection with 
the other, started the Pioneer Stone business in San Francisco, and among 
the contracts taken by him, is the St. Mary's Cathedral, at San Fi-an- 
cisco, and many other buildings. In 185G, he purchased his present farm, 
now consisting of four hundred acres of land, and seventy-six acres of 
tule. He married, at St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, Bertha G. 
Jordan, Januai^^ 6, 1856, she having been born in Hanover, Germany, 
January 29, 1830. 

BURNER, GEORGE ADAM. G. A. Burner was born at Weilheim, in Wur- 
tomburg, Germany, February IG, 1827. In his early life he was appren- 
ticed to a tailor, and has pursued his trade ever since. In 1847 he left 
Germany for America, and arrived in New York in April of the same 
year. 

While working at his trade in New York he formed the acquaintance of 
one Rosy Anthers, the youngest daughter of the family of that name, to 
whom he was married in 1851. She was born at Algei, in Damstadt, 
Germany, September 10, 1831, and came to America in 1848, and resided 
in New York. In 1858 Mr. Dumer left New York for California, Iby 
way of the ocean, and was followed the year afterwards by his wife and 



440 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

children. He arrived in San Francisco the forepart of May, but re- 
mained there only one month, after which he came to Benicia, where he 
built him.self a splendid home and has resided ever since, except at one 
or two intervals. 

In 1863 he went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked both at his 
trade and at mining, for about six months, after which he returned to 
Benicia. He then worked at his trade until 1874, when he was employed 
by the firm then known as Brown, McKay & Co., tanners, as night watch- 
man, and has remained there ever since, although the firm is now known 
as McKay & Chisholm. 

The products of his marriage were eleven children ; five were born in New 
York, two of whom died, both girls, and the remaining six were born in 
Benicia, one of which, a son, died some two years ago. At present he has 
living three sons, named John George, Charles, and Henry, the fourth 
.son, Georgie, ha%-ing died September 21, 1870. His daughters, five in 
number, are named Katie, Elizabeth, Matilda, Annie, and Henrietta. The 
two former are married and live at present in Benicia. The remaining 
children are at present at home going to school. 

His eldest child and son, John G., is at present employed as traveling agent 
for W. S. Townsend's Steam Candy Factory, San Francisco. 

The second son, Chai'les, was for a while employed as salesman in a large 
clothing house at San Francisco, after which he came to Benicia and 
started a business for himself, known as Burner's Palace of Sweets. He 
is but nineteen years of age, being born January 14, 1860. He has a 
thriNnng business and is doing well. 

His third son, Henry, was rather unfortunate in being born a cripple, March 
23, 1862, being but seventeen years of age. He received a somewhat ad- 
vantageous education, having entered St. Augustine College when but 
thirteen years of age, in August, 1875. He graduated here on June 1, 
1878, with the first honors of his class and of the school. He was but 
sixteen yeara of age, still he was chosen to deliver the valedictory address 
on the occasion of his graduating, which won for him the hearts of many 
strangers. On September 28, 1878, he was appointed Page of the Con- 
stitutional Convention, then assembled at Sacramento, by the President 
of that body. He remained there the full session, which lasted until 
March, 4, 1879, since which time he has been studjdng law at his home in 
Benicia. 

Mr. Burner is considered one of the most faithful and law-abiding citizens 
of Benicia. He is honest and upright in all his dealings, and his charac- 
ter is without a stain. His moral character can not be exceeded, and he 
is a diligent employe, aiming to do everything to the interest of his em- 
p.oyere. He has lived a quiet life, never mixing himself in political af- 
fairs, and always casting hh vote according to his sound judgment. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 441 

ENOS, JOSEPH, was born in 1834. In 1852 he emigrated to the United 
States, and followed the sea for seven years. In 1859 he settled in Bed- 
ford, Mass., where he remained a short time, and in 1860 came to Califor- 
nia, and woi'ked in the mines for two years ; thence he came to Benicia, 
where he has since resided on his farm of 195 acres. Married to Mary 
Roderick in 1869, by whom he has a family of five: Constantine, born 
1870; Joseph, born 1872; Mary, born 1874; John, born 1875, and Isa- 
bella, born 1877. 

FISCHER, JOSEPH, was born in Switzerland, March 7, 1823, where he 
received his education. In 1844 he emigrated to the United States, first 
settling in Staten Island, fourteen miles from New York, where he found 
employment on a farm. He remained there one year, when he went to 
New York City, residing there until the spring of 1849, during which 
time he was employed in various ways. On March 7, 1849, he started 
across the plains for California, and arrived in Sacramento September 20, 
1849, where, after about ten weeks, he went to Benicia, and engaged in 
butchering, with Lawrence Graber, which they continued two years, at 
the expiration of which they had saved some money. His partner wished 
to return to the States, and died in Salt Lake City. Mr. Fischer then 
took another partner, John Gorring, but a dissolution occurred inl861, 
since which time he has conducted the business alone. Mr. F. married 
Catherine Hall in May, 1854, by whom he has three children. 

GRAY, SAMUEL C, born in Boston, Mass., October 11, 1816, where he re- 
ceived his early education. At the age of sixteen went to Baltimore, and 
from there came to California. Married Miss Lucy, daughter of Chaun- 
cey Wetmore, of Middletown, Conn., December 14, 1847. In January, 1849, 
started for California, by way of Panama, where they waited seven weeks 
for the steamer " Panama," and arrived at Benicia June 3, 1849. Had 
remained in Benicia in business until elected County Treasurer in 1861. 
Has been in business, in the leather trade in Benicia, since June, 1867. 
Was a Trustee of the city of Benicia for seven years, until he left for San 
Francisco. Is the author of the interesting lecture on " Recollections of 
Benicia " in this work. 

HANBRIGE, PETER, was born in Rhenish Prussia, July 13, 1825, where 
he remained till 1849, serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade 
for two years, when he emigrated to America, first settling in Boston. 
Mass., where he resided until 1851, when he sailed for California, Decem- 
ber 18th, on the ship " Flying Child," and arrived in San Francisco April 
12th. He immediately proceeded to the mines in Nevada, and continued 
mining till 1871, but during this time he visited his native place. He 



442 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

then retui-ned to San Francisco, where he lived till 1878, when he came 
to this county and engaged in farming and the manufacture of \\'inc. 
Married Mrs. Mary Diet, June 19, 1871, who was bom in Europe Decem- 
ber 18, 18.53, and who has, by her lirst mamage, two children. Mr. Han- 
brick has three children : John, born July 8, 1872 ; Benjamin, born No- 
vember 10, 1875 ; Clara, bom March 17, 1878. 

HASTINGS, D. N., was bom in Newton, Massachusetts, December 17, 1821, 
and at six years of age went to Brighton with his parents, where he i-e- 
mained five years, when he removed to Wollertown, Massachusetts, and 
resided there three years. At the age of fourteen he left home and jvent 
to Boston, where his time was spent in the provision business, the last 
seven years of which being hard work. On September 5, IS-iO, he left 
Boston for New York, and sailed thence on the bark " Florida " on Sep- 
tember 12th. At that time it being impossible to obtain a through ticket 
to California, but could secure one to Chagres, Panama, where he re- 
mained four days, and continued his journey to Chagres, arriving in San 
Francisco December 1, 1849. On the Sunday following he was engaged 
in carpentering at SI 2 per diem, when, at the end of one week, he was 
put in charge of eight men at S20 per diem, and resigned that position 
on February 1, 18.50. He then proceeded to Sullivan's creek, and turned 
his attention to mining, and woi'ked for eight days, taking out S-tO, when 
he started for Stockton, a distance of fifty-six miles, when, after a week, 
he went to San Francisco, and was engaged to work in Fulton Market, 
on Washington street, remaining there until May 6th, when he was sent 
to Benicia, and opened a butcher shop, where he built himself a small 
market, 12x14 feet, which he occupied four months. A year afterwards 
he purchased a lot and carried on his business there until May, 1852, when 
he sold out, leased his property, and returned East to bring out his family. 
They sailed on the .ship "Onward," via Cape Horn, and arrived in San 
Francisco December 11, 1852, going to Benicia the same day, there find- 
ing the Sheriff in possession of his property. It cost him SI, COO before 
he could recover it, after which he engaged again in the business of 
butcher, combining stock-raising with great success, till 18G0, when he 
sold his business and retired, owning at the time three-fifths of 44,000 
acres of land. He now possesses 3,000 acres. Mr. Hastings has never 
been a politician, although he held office under the city government of 
Benicia, and is at present one of the City Trustees. 

The main house now occupied by Mr. Hastings was built by Dr. Wood- 
bridge, from whom he purchased it in 1852, and has resided in it ever 
since. Mr. Hastings planted all the trees with his own hands. The 
property was originally owned by eleven men, it having been purchased 
in lots the ultimate size being 75x125 feet. The house at first was 20x30, 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 443 

with a kitchen 8x12 feet, made of dry-goods boxes, which was rebuilt 
and is now 34x36 feet, the size of the lot being 270x450 feet. There 
are over seven hundred trees in the enclosure. Water is brought from a 
piece of land owned by Mr. Hastings over 9,000 feet to the house. The 
Seminary is also supplied in the same way. Mr. Hastings has five chil- 
dren : George A., born in Boston, Mass., December 8, 184G ; William F.> 
born in Boston, August 25, 1848 ; Hannah M., born in Benicia, March 8 
1857 ; Alice (twin), born September 5, 1862 ; Eben J. (twin), born Sep- 
tember 5, 1862. 

HOYT, JOSEPH, born in Belknap county, N. H., November 14, 1830. 
Hei-e he received his education, and when sixteen years old went to Essex 
county, Mass., where he learned the stone-cutter's trade, afterwards going 
to Virginia, following this occupation, but returned to his native home, 
and in 1853 came by the way of Nicaragua to California, arriving in San 
Francisco in December of that year. Here he resided until the spring of 
1854, when he went to the mines, but settled in Benicia in July follow- 
ing. February, 1855 went to Mare Island, working for the Government, 
but in 1857 moved to Salt Point, Mendocino county, Cal., where he had 
the contract of cutting the stone which was to build the north battery at 
Alcatraz Island, San Fi-ancisco bay. Returned to Mare Island that year, 
removing to Contra Costa county in 1859, engaging in the stock trade- 
Again in 1862 we find him in Benicia, where he has since made it his 
home. Was elected to the olSce of County Assessor in 1871, since which 
time he has been agent for S. C. Hastings. Married Ellen A. Haggarty, 
at Vallejo, in 1855. They have Nellie J., Olivia R., Andrew J., Joe H. 
Orville L., Charles H., Walter D., and Maggie E. 

KINSTREY, THOS. T., was born in New York City, August 30, 1819, 
where he resided till 1852, when, on March 19th, he sailed for California 
in the ship " Pioneer." After being wrecked, he arrived in San Francisco 
September, 1852 ; thence coming to Benicia, and began business as boiler- 
maker for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. In 1804 he commenced 
his present business, which he has since continued. Mr. K. man-ied Laura 
Valentine, in 1854, by whom he has a family. 

KUHLAND, WILLIAM, was born in Germany, in 1835, and emigrated to 
America in 1852, first settling in New Orleans, where he resided until 
1858, when he came to California. He resided in. Tuolumne county, and 
began his trade of boot and shoe maker, at Chinese camp, where he lived 
till 18G1, when he moved to Copperopolis, Calaveras county, where he 
continued his trade for two years and a half, when he came to Benicia, 
August, 1867, where he again worked at his trade, and in 1870 he began 



444 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

his business in the sale of genfs' furnishing goods. Mr. Kuhland married 
Mary Seibert, in 1856, by whom he has four children : Lewis, Kate, Lillie 
and Mary. Mr. K. is a member of the I. O. O. F., Benicia. 

McKAT, THOMAS, was born in Nova Scotia, in 184.5, where he resided 
till 1862, when he went to Woburn, Massachusetts, remaining there until 
1865 ; thence going to California and settling in Benicia, where he be- 
came a partner of the firm of Brown & McKay. In 1878 partnership 
was dissolved, and since, the firm has been McKay & Chisholm, engaged 
in the business of tanning and currying. Mr. McKay married Louise 
Harris, Jiily 26, 1876, she also being a native of Nova Scotia, and born 
February 14, 1852. He has an only child, George Arthur, born Septem- 
ber 7, 1877. 

McNALLY, BERNARD, farmer ; was born in County Cavan, Ireland, 
November 12, 1847. In 1860 he came to America, first settling in New 
York City, where he resided eight yeai-s, when, in 1868, he came to Cali- 
fornia, and settled on his present property. Married at San Francisco, 
August 18, 1873, Mary Fitzpatrick, a native of County Cork, Ireland. 

MIZNER, LANSING BOND, was bom in Monroe county, Illinois, on the 
5th day of December, 1825. His father was educated for the law, in 
Geneva, New York, and settled in Illinois, in 1821, where he died eight 
years thereafter. His mother was the only daughter of Dr. Caldwell 
Caines, a leading member of the convention which formed the first con- 
stitution of Illinois, and niece of Shadrack Bond, the first Governor of 
that State. 

Mr. Mizner was 'educated at Shurtliff" College, Alton, Illinois, and in 1839 
went with the American Legation, to New Granada, in South America, 
where he became familiar with the Spanish language. Returned to Illi- 
nois in 1843, and resumed his studies at the same college, and read law. 
In 1846 he joined the Third Regiment, Illinois Vokmteers, en route for the 
Mexican war, and was appointed Commi.ssary of the Regiment. On an-iv- 
ing at Garmarqo, on the Rio Grande, he was detailed as Interpreter, 
on the staff" of Gen. Shields, and ordered to join Gen. Wool's column, then 
invading Mexico from Texas. Was the bearer of dispatches to Gen. Taylor 
through the enemy's country, alone, from the Rio Grande to Monclova and 
Saltillo, and took part in the battle of Buena Vista, in February, 1847. 
Returned to Illinois in July, of that year, and resumed the studj' of law. 
Arrived in California, via New Orleans and Panama, on the 20th day of 
May, 1849, and in the same month settled in Benicia, purchased real es- 
tate, and a quarter interest in the mercantile firm of Semple, Robinson & 
Co., the then owners of the ship " Confederation " and her East India 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 445 

cargo of goods. Took an active part in electing the delegates to the Mon- 
terey Convention, which formed the first Constitution of Califoi'nia, and 
on the formation of the State government, was elected an Associate Jus- 
tice of the First Court of Sessions, of Solano county. 

In 1853, Mr. Mizner was appointed by President Pierce Collector of 
Customs for the Northern District of California, which then included 
all that part of the State north of the Bay of San Francisco, and west of 
of the Sacramento River, to the Oregon line ; the Custom House being 
located at Benicia. 

On the breaking out of the Rebellion in 18G1, Mr. Mizner took strong grounds 
for the preservation of the Union, and has ever since been a firm Repub- 
lican, and was elected to the State Senate in 1865, from Solano and Yolo 
counties. At the Session of 18G7-S, was chosen President, pro tem., of 
the Senate, and was Chairman of the Committee on Commerce and Nav- 
igation, and also of the Committee on Swamp Lands. 

As early as 1852, Mi-. Mizner began to take a deep interest in connecting 
Benicia by rail with the interior of the State, and was a Delegate to the 
Convention, held in San Francisco in that year, on the general subject of 
Railroads. In 18CG, he was sent as a special agent to Washington City, 
to procure Congressional aid for a railroad, from Benicia to Marysville, 
and succeeded in having a bill passed through the Senate making the usual 
land grant for that purpose ; but, for want of time, it failed in the Lower 
House, since which time he has been the active leader in securing the 
completion of the great Overland Railroad through Benicia. 

Mr. Mizner was admitted to practice law in the 7th District Court of Cali- 
fornia, on November 5, 1850, to the Supreme Court of the State 
March 9th, 1860, and to the Supreme Court of the United States, Dec. 
6, 1866, and has been almost continually engaged in the practice of his 
profession evei' since the first named date. He is a permanent resident 
of Benicia, has a wife and seven children, the oldest son a graduate of 
the State University of California, Class of 1879. Mr. Mizner is a life 
member of the Society of California Pioneers. 

NICHOLS, J. B., was born in Fall River, Mass., June 17, 1844, where he 
remained till about nine years old, when he went with his parents to 
California, first settling in Benicia, where he has since resided, being chiefly 
engaged in farming. Mr. Nichols married Mary K. Freeman, December 
25, 1866, who was born in Michigan, September 21, 1847, and by whom 
he has five children. Mary 0., born October 10, 1867, Clara B., born Dec. 
5, 1869, Joseph T., born April 26, 1871, Hattie, born August 5, 1873, and 
Oscar H., born January 17, 1877. Mr. Nichols is a member of the 
Solano Lodge, No. 22, 1. 0. O. F. 



446 THF HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

NICHOLS, WILLIAM H., was born in Berkeley county, Massachusetts, 
March 20, 1819, where he resided till seventeen years of age, when he 
went to North Carolina, remaining there thirteen years, and being en- 
gaged in merchandizing, lumbering, and ship building. In 1849, he re- 
turned to Massachusetts, and the following winter went again to North 
Carolina, and settled up his business. He sailed from New York, on 
board the steamer " Crescent City," June 1, 1850, via the Isthmus of 
Panama, and arrived in San Francisco August 24th. He immediately 
proceeded to Sacramento county, where he engaged in mining for about 
a year. 

In November, 18-51, he came to this county and purchased his present 
place, but returned to the mines, which, in November, 1852, he left and 
permanently settled where he now resides. For the last ten years Mr. 
Nichols has carried on a hay and grain business in San Francisco. His 
farm consists of 167 acres, all of which is under good improvement. He 
married at Fall River, Massachusetts, August 17, 1843, Eliza Dean, and 
has five childi-en ; Joseph B., William D., Abbie A.. Nathan D. and Mary G. 

OPPERMAN, JULIUS, was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1831, and 
emigrated to the United States in 1854, first settling in New York City, 
whei-e he worked as a tailor till 1857, when, in the spring of that year, 
he came to California, via Panama. While in New York he enlisted in 
the Regular Army. From San Francisco he proceeded to Vancouver, 
Oregon, which was the headquarters of the 4th Infantry. He was after- 
wards stationed at Humboldt, remaining there three years and eight 
months. While at the latter place he acted as Hospital Steward for a 
time, thence he went to Hooper Valley, the port of Fort Gaston, to estab- 
lish a new military post, where he remained till November, 1861, when 
the regiment was ordered East ; but, on arrival at San Francisco, he ob- 
tained his discharge on January 17, 1862, where he again worked at his 
trade till May of that year, and on the 28th came to Benicia, where he 
has since resided and carried on his present business. 

Mr. Opperman married Maria Mitchell, a native of Ireland, at Humboldt, 
Cal., September 3, 1860, and has a family ; Katie, Mary, Lewis, Joseph, 
Julius, and William. Mr. 0. has been Secretary of Phoenix No. 2, and 
an exempt fireman for several years. 

O'DONNELL, JOHN, farmer, was born in Coimty Limerick, Ireland, in 
1824. In 1847 he emigrated to America and farmed in Onondaga county _ 
New York, till 1852, on Januarj' 5th of which year he sailed from New 
York for California, being shipwrecked on the voyage, arri\^ng ultimately 
in San Francisco in April of that year. In 1852 he proceeded to Benicia, 
where he remained two years, then moving to his present farm, consisting 
of 230 acres. Married in San Francisco, September 7, 1856, Ellen Kelly, 
by whom he has Mary F., Anna Eliza, John, and Thomas W. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 447 

PERIN, AARON, was born on March 4, 1806, and has a twin brother, 
Moses, who is living thirty miles back of Sandiago, Cayuga county. New 
York, where he resided till 1810, when he with his parents sailed down 
the Ohio and located in Madison, ten miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
he remained until 1814 ; thence he went to Fayette county, Indiana, near 
Cannonsville, where he lived till about 1840 ; after which he removed to 
Scott county, Iowa, and remained there until 1846, when he went to 
Dubuque, where he worked at the trade of blacksmith. On February 
24, 1.852, he, with his family, started for California across the plains, and 
arrived in Benicia early in October of same year, continuing his trade 
until 1877, when he retired into private life. Mr. Perin married Eliza- 
beth Simpson, March 3, 1825, she being born in Kentucky, and died May 
6, 1847, in Dubuque, Iowa, by whom he had eight children : Mary, born 
November 16, 1829 ; Zackariah Taylor, born April 18, 1847, still living ; 
Rachel, Simpson, John A., William, Theodore, Isaac, deceased. Mr. Perin 
married his second wife, Mrs. Lucy A. McMan, December 19, 1847, she 
being born August 27, 1808, by whom he has no family. 

PRESTON, WILLIAM E., farmer, is a native of England, and came to 
America about 1847, first settling near Bufialo, New York, where he 
worked on a farm for two years. He then moved to Michigan, and there 
resided till the year 1852, thence removing to New York City, from 
whence he sailed in that year for California. On arrival he proceeded 
to the southern mines in Tuolumne county, and there remained four 
years. We next find Mr. Pi-eston farming on what is known as the 
Pearson tract in Napa county, where he lived till 1871, then purchasing 
a ranch in Contra Costa county he removed thither for ten months, 
when he finally settled on his present farm of 90 acres. Married in 
1860, Eliza Jane Powers, by whom he has Willie F., Mary G., Carrie 
Belle, and Catherine F. 

QUIGG, CHARLES, was bom in County Derry, Ireland, in 1831, and 
emigrated to America in 1845, settling in New York City, where he 
remained till January 20, 1851, serving an apprenticeship of boiler 
maker, when he sailed on board the " Brother Jonathan " to Nicaragua, 
thence to San Francisco on the ship "Pacific," arriving there March 16, 
1851. There he stayed but three or four weeks, when he came to 
Benicia and engaged to work at his trade in the service of the Pacific 
Mail Steamship Company. In 1863 he opened his present place of 
business. Mr. Quigg is an exempt fireman and has held the oflice of 
Roadmaster. 

RAUM, E. C, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., October 23, 1818, where he 
remained until 1828, when he removed to Franklin county. Pa., staying 



448 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

there nine years, when he again moved with his parents to Wooster, Ohio. 
When at the age of twenty-five he went to Jefferson county, Iowa, 
remaining there about one year, spending a part of his time in Iowa City. 
He then proceeded to Lake Superior copper mine, when, after the lapse 
of nine years, again returned to Jeflferson county and began a grist mill, 
which business he conducted till the breaking out of the Rebellion. In 
1862 he crossed the plains to California, first settling near Woodland, 
Yolo county, where he engaged in farming, but at the end of two years 
was compelled to leave on account of drought. Thence he went to Car- 
son valley, Nevada, where he remained four years, when he went to 
Marysville, and, in July, 1868, engaged in the manufacturing of gloves. 
Mr. Raum married his first wife in Jefferson coimty, Iowa, April 2, 1857, 
Louisa MuUer, by whom he has five chil ren living. She died in 1875. 
Married his present wife, Mary F. Acres, at Benicia. 

RIDDELL, GEO. HUSSEY, was bom at Nantucket May 25, 1810, where 
he resided till sixteen years of age and went to Boston and six years after- 
wards returned to Nantucket engaging in the business of dry goods. In 
1849 he left New York and arrived in San Francisco December 1, 1849, 
thence coming to Benicia on December 8, where he again carried on a 
business of general merchandise. In 1855 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace, to which oflice he was again elected. In 1864 he was elected 
County Auditor and held that oflice two years. During the re-election of 

" Abraham Lincoln he was chairman of the County Committee. Through 
his perseverance the county gave a majority of between four and five 
hundred. Mr. Riddell married Emma G. Barnard at Nantucket Septem- 
ber 2, 1833, she being born October 14, 1814, by whom he has four chil- 
dren, George William, Mary C, Henrietta and Herbert. 

ROSE, ELISHA L., is a native of Ledyard, New London county, Connecticut, 
where he was bom in July, 1828. On August 20, 1849, he sailed from 
New York City on the bark " Curtis " for California, arriving in San 
Francisco on March 8th of the following year. After working at his 
trade as a carpenter in San Francisco for two weeks he moved to Benicia, 
and there following his occupation ; among other buildings built the old 
Solano Hotel. Shortly after he tried his luck at mining but in 1851 he 
retumed to San Fi-ancisco and engaged for three or four months at ship 
work. After this he moved to Contra Costa county where he started a 
chicken ranch, when in the fall of 1852 he established himself on his 
present property. Is unmarried. 

RUEGER JOHN, is a native of Switzerland and born on January 9, 1817. 
In 1834 he came to the United States settling in Washington City, where 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 449 

he remained two years and a half when he returned to Switzerland. In 
1848 he again came to America and in 1849 crossed the plains to Cali- 
fornia locating where Marysville now is. He was unable to j)erfoi'm any 
labor until 1850, when he began the erection of a brewery, it being the 
fii'st built outside of San Francisco in the State. In 1855 he disposed of 
the business and came to Benicia where he again engaged in brewing. 
Mr. Rueger was elected City Treasurer of Benicia in May, 1878, for a 
term of one year. He was married in Switzerland to Barbera Shorwart 
in 1838, who died in 1842, by whom he has two childi-en, Eliza Matilda 
and John. In January, 1843, he married his second wife Elizabeth 
Wartenweiler by whom he has one son Carl who is at present in Nevada. 

RYERSON, A. P., (deceased) was born in Patterson, New Jersey, Decem- 
ber 11, 1822. When about thirteen years of age he went to New York 
and there learned his trade of silversmith, which he followed up to 1849, 
when he came to California passing his first year in Los Angeles. In 
1850 he made a trip back to New York but returned in the same year 
and settled in Benicia where he conducted a hotel, and in 1855 settled on 
his present farm where great improvements have been made. Situated 
on the farm is what is known as the Ryerson Cotton-wood Grove cover- 
ing ten apres of land, one of the few clusters of trees to be found in the 
township of Benicia. The trees are raised from seeds planted by Mr. 
Ryerson in the year 1858. The residence is situated midway between 
Vallejo and Benicia, and was up to his death on June 17, 1874, kept as a 
place of entertainment by Mr. Ryerson. He married at Benicia, Esther 
Bower, on March 1, 1855, by whom there is a large family, viz.: Henri- 
etta, Isaac, Adrian, Virginia, Alice, George L., Clara M., Joseph G. and 
Anna Rebecca, who are now alive. Mrs. Ryerson resides on the farm. 

SAGE, TIMOTHY, was born in Middleton, Connecticut, November 12, 
1813, where he remained till the age of sixteen when he began the man- 
ufacture of Britannia ware at Yalesville, Connecticut, and stayed there 
until twenty-one years old when he returned to Middletown, when in 1845 
he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and engaged in the same business till 
the spring of 1850. In April of the same year he started for California 
across the plains arriving at Sacramento the latter part of August. He 
then went to the mines on the north fork of Dry Creek for a short time 
and did very well. In the spring of 1851 he came to Benicia where he 
has since resided, having stai'ted a brick-yard which business he carried 
on for a period of fifteen years. He is now engaged in farming. Mr. 
Sage married Mrs. Perlina Booth, September 20, 1853, by whom he has 
one son Charles P., born November 3, 1857, having lost five children, 
Edward T., Henry B., Nelson, William and Lillia. Mr. Sage is a Mason. 
29 



450 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

SPALDING, CHARLES, was born in Maine, Februaiy 9, 1819, and went 
with his parents when young to Suffolk county, Massachusetts, near Boston, 
where he remained till 1849, when he started for California via Cape 
Horn, arriving in San Francisco in September, whence he proceeded to 
the mines in Shasta and where he remained until the fall of 1850 when 
he went to Sacramento and began business in general merchandise which 
he continued till the fall of 1851. He then went to Colusa and engaged 
in the same business till 1868 when he came to Benicia and erected the 
Benicia Flouring Mill in the fall of the same year. Mr. Spalding was 
engaged in taking the census of the county ; was also resident of Marshall 
in 1870. Mr. Spalding married Mary A. Silsby at Bo.ston, Massachu- 
setts, April 30, 1843, who died in Benicia January 3, 1876. Their only 
child Edward A. was drowned in the Sacramento river at the age of nine 
years. 

VON PFISTER, E. H., among the California pioneers Benicia claims sev- 
eral who still reside here and were of the most important citizens of the 
State in the days of '48, '49 and '50, and some were her citizens who have 
long since passed away, whose names will forever grace the pages of 
history of this part of the United States. Of the former, we propose to 
give herewith a brief biogi'aphical sketch of one who has .been a resi- 
dent of Benicia for over thirty years : we allude to E. H. Von Pfister. 
" Von," as he is familiarly called, first came to the coast of California in 
1846 ; being so well pleased with the climate, he determined to settle in 
the State. With this object in view, he went down to the Sandwich 
Islands and purchased a stock of general merchandise and returned to 
this State in March, 1847. He had intended to open a store at San Jose, 
but, while yet at Yerba Buena (San Francisco), Dr. Semple, the founder 
of the city of Benicia, had heard of the advent of the enterprising Von 
Pfister, and he determined that the new stock of goods and its owner 
should be brought to Benicia. So he went to San Francisco in a whale- 
boat, and succeeded in getting Mr. Von P. to at least consent to visit 
Benicia. Embarking in the whale-boat with the Doctor, they occupied 
four days in making the voyage. They made soundings all the way up 
to verify the claims made by the Doctor that Benicia's location was un- 
surpassed for commercial purposes. Von Pfister says, being a sea-faiing 
man, and finding a fine, ample channel for deep-sea vessels, and the result 
of his observations being that almost all large commercial cities were sit- 
uated near the head of navigation, concluded this was the place for him 
to locate. He purchased an unfinished adobe building, and, after putting 
it in condition, opened out his stock of goods in August, 1847. The 
building is standing and is still hi.s property ; it is situated in the rear of 
Jos. Ewing's store, on First street. His trade was of a very satisfactory 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 451 

character. The prices obtained for goods wei'e much the same as those of 
the present day. There was very little cash. The standard currency of 
those days was hides, valued at $1 50 each, which were frequently styled 
" California bank-bills." Corn, barley and other articles of produce were 
readily taken in lieu of coin. Early in May, 1848, one evening while a 
number of persons were assembled in Von's store talking over the pros- 
pects of the State, a gentleman present said a good coal prospect had 
been found near Mount Diablo. Another said if that was true and coal 
should be found to exist in quantity, a great future was in store for Cali- 
fornia ; but without coal he did not think much of the State's prospects. 
A stranger, who had been a quiet listener to the conversation, said: 
" Gentlemen, I have something here which, if it is what I think it is, will 
beat a coal mine and make this the greatest country in the world." He 
then produced a little buckskin bag holding about $100 worth of gold- 
dust. The dust varied in size from a flax-seed to a good-sized pea. This he 
handed around for the inspection of those present. He said his name was 
Bennett, and that the " stuff" had been found in Coloma while digging 
the race for the Sutter mill. Thinking it might be gold, he had brought 
it down to Sutter's Fort to find out ; but as there were no chemicals there, 
he was on his way to Monterey to submit the metal to Governor Mason. 
If it was gold, there was any quantity of it. The Beniciaites were quite 
incredulous. A few days after this there was a great rush down the 
river and by land of people who possessed samples of the new discovery. 
Some carried it in old stockings, old boots, and anything that would hold 
the yellow dust. Some of those who came down the river had old rattle- 
traps of boats which required constant bailing to keep afloat ; pieces of 
blankets were utilized for sails, and all were greatly excited. About this 
time Samuel Brannan, Esq., who had been a shipmate of the subject of 
this sketch, came along, and said gold had really been discovered and that 
the mines were good. He advised Von to pack up his goods and go to 
the mines with them. This he did. He chartered Dr. Semple's flat-boat, 
and in six days reached Coloma with his goods. At Sacramento he was 
joined by Brannan with an equal quantity of goods, and the firm of Von 
Pfister & Brannan did a thriving business until October, when the former 
sold out and left the mines. In the spring of 1849 he returned to Benicia 
and rented the adobe building where stands the present Benicia Brewery 
and opened a hotel. He paid $500 a month rent, and $150 per month for 
a cook ; $125 each for two stewards ; $100 each for a housekeeper and 
barkeeper. Notwithstanding these heavy expenses, Mr. Von Pfister 
cleared $12,000 in eleven months. During his long residence in Benicia 
he has been three different times the proprietor of the Solano Hotel. The 
first deed on the records of the county is in the handwriting of Mr. Von 
P. He has filled official positions of honor, trust and importance. Von 



452 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

has always had gi-eat faith that the future of Benicia was that of no ordi- 
naiy town, and acquired considerable real estate in the place with this 
belief. In '48 or '49 he sold a lot on the comer of Pine and Dupont 
streets, San Francisco, for 82,500, and immediately invested the money in 
Benicia property, which he still holds ; and there are none here who are 
not pleased to congratulate the old gentleman that the time is near at 
hand when there will be a full realization of his fondest hopes of Benicia's 
prosperity. 

WALSH, CAPTAIN JOHN.— The oldest inhabitant of Benicia, Captain 
John Walsh, deserves more than an ordinary notice. It is but seldom 
that a man is permitted to outlive God's statute of limitations — - with as 
clean a record as that the subject of this sketch leaves behind him. He 
was bom on the 25th of October, 1797, on Prince Edward's Island, Nova 
Scotia, of Irish parents. He went to sea at the early age of twelve, in 
the year 1809, as a " sailor boy " with his uncle on the ship " Partheon ;" 
but " mine uncle " being too harsh, young Walsh went ashore at Liver- 
pool, and his uncle never heard of him until some ten years later he met 
him in command of a ship at Gibralter. In 1818 young Walsh was first 
officer of the ship " Honqua," sailing to China ; and on her he came into 
the Bay of San Francisco in that year, and stopped at the Presidio, now 
Fort Point, and at Goat Island ; and on the same voyage he went into the 
Columbia river, Oregon, which latter place he visited in command of a 
Government vessel forty-two years later. He afterwards commanded the 
ship " Gray Hound;" and in 1825 was sent by Messrs. Perkins & Co., of 
Boston, to the Pacific Ocean, in command of the ship " John Gilpin," 
where he ran his vessel as a regular packet from Valparaiso, in Chili, to 
Canton, for more than twenty years, having, on a short visit to Boston in 
1830, married, and returned to Valparaiso with his wife, where seven 
children were born to them, all of whom are now dead. The last, the 
wife of Col. D. Fergusson, died in the city of Mexico some two years 
since ; and soon after, his venerable wife, who had been his companion 
for nearly forty-six years, also died, leaving the old man, now over eighty 
years of age, alone in the world — the last leaf on the tree — his kindred 
have all perished, save only the children of the deceased daughter. But 
in place of kindred, hosts of friends surround the old man in his declin- 
ing years; hundreds who have partaken of his hospitality in Valparaiso, 
San Francisco and Benicia, now take pleasure in extending acts of kind- 
ness to him. He settled in Benicia in 1849. Here he filled the position 
of Deputy Collector of Port for many j'ears ; and the records at Wash- 
ington show that he was one of the most faithful and trustworthy officials 
ever in the employ of the Government. He has spent much of his time 
in building and ornamenting his beautiful home here, which has been 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 453 

open to his many friends, and especially to the Army and Navy, for more 
than a quarter of a century ; and notwithstanding his May of life is 
fallen into the sear and yellow leaf, that which should accompany old age, 
as honor, love, obedience, troops of friends he has. May the date of his 
decease long remain blank on his family tomb. 

WKSTABY, RICHARD, is a native of England, having been born in Hull, 
November 22, 1822, where he served an apprenticeship of seven years as 
ship carpenter. At the age of 20 he went to sea, and followed that occu- 
pation till 1850 when he arrived at San Francisco, and engaged in the 
same business, when he was burned out in the big fii-e, on June 22, 1851. 
He then took the mail steamer for Panama, returning to Benicia in August, 
1851. In 1858 and 1859, he vi.sited his native land, and the scenes of 
his childhood. 

Mr. W. married Elmer Miles Raper, at Hull, November 22, 1846, who died 
at Benicia, February 22, 1876. Mr. W. has two children, Elmer and 
Margaret, both married. 



454 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



VACAVILLE 



AMMONS, HENRY B., born in Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky, in 
1821, and in the j^ear 1826, moved mth his parents to Montgomery Co., 
Missouri, thence to Howard county, where his father died in 1846. He 
then moved to Clay, where he enlisted, 1846, in 1st Regular Mounted 
Volunteers, commanded by Genei-al A. W. Doniphan, Co. C, under Captain 
O. P. Moss, and with it took part in the Mexican war. With his regi- 
ment he went from the frontier to Santa Fe, thence to Chihuahua, Buena 
Vista and New Orleans, where he obtained his discharge in 1 847. After 
his return home Mr. Ammons entered into mercantile pursuits, which he 
continued till 1849, when he came to California by way of the plains, ar- 
living at Long's Bar, Butte county, in September of that year, where he 
embarked in merchandising. In 1852, he moved to Solano Co., Cal., 
where he set about stock raising. At the general election of 1853, Mr. 
Ammons was elected County Assessor, which office he held for two years, 
and then was appointed a Deputy Sheriff for two years following. He 
afterwards engaged in farming, until 1871, when he was made a Notary 
Public which office he now holds. 

BAKER, GEO. H., born April 9, 1852, in Vermont, where he was edu- 
cated, and at the age of fifteen, emigrated with his parents to California, 
making the trip by water, landing at Sacramento June 4, 1867, and re- 
sided there one year, where his father followed farming. From there Mr. 
Baker went to San Francisco for two years, thence to Colusa Co., where 
he engaged in the trade of a carpenter, and settled in this county in the 
spring of 1875, still working at his trade. In the fall of this year he 
purchased a tract of land in Vaca Valley, containing twenty acres, and 
added fifty acres thereto in the spring of 1878, all of which is adapted to 
the raising of cereals and fruit. He married, December 16, 1877, Miss 
Luella Hawkins, who was born January 3, 1858, by whom he has one 
child, Dufl' G., born October 8, 1878. 

BASSFORD, H. A., was born June, 1854, in Benicia, Solano countj^ Cali- 
fornia, and in 1862 moved with parents to Napa, Napa county, but the 
family returned to Solano county, settling in Lagoon Valley, in June, 1869, 
where the subject of this sketch now resides on the old homestead. Mar- 
ried Miss Ad die Lassell, of San Francisco, on September 5, 1876. She 
was born in October, 1857, in Smithfield, Maine. They have one child. 



THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 455 

BASSFORD, J. M., was born in Benicia, Solano county, June 25, 1852, 
which he left with his parents in 1858, and settled in Napa county. 
Moved with Mr. Bassford, Sr., into this county June, 1868, and located 
on what is known as the Sunny Dale Farm, three miles west of Vaca- 
ville, where he resided until September 5, 1876, when he took charge of 
the Barker Tract, known as the Cherry Glen Farm, containing 308 acres, 
where he now resides, and is engaged in raising fruit in great abundance. 
He married Miss Ida C. Barker, September 5, 1876. She was born in 
Napa county, Cal., Dec. 31, 1857, by whom he has one child, Lillie C, 
born June 13, 1878. 

BRINCK, H. W., was born September 20, 1844, in France, and there edu- 
cated; emigrated to the United States in 1860, settling in New York City 
for three years, engaging in various occupations until the fall of 1873, 

. when he came to this State, and stopped in San Francisco one year. The 
fall of 1874 he came to this county, with his brother William, and settled 
on the ranch they now own, consisting of 210 acres. Married November 
20, 1877, Miss May E. Manning, a native of St. Louis, Mo. Henry Roy 
is their only child. 

Mr. Brinck's brother, William Brinck, was born in Alsace, France, Octo- 
ber 15, 1849, where he was educated. As is shown he came to this coun- 
try with his brother in the fall of 1874, where he still resides. 

BUCK, L. W., was born July 8, 1834, in Trenton, Courtland county, N. Y. 
Was educated in Homer, N. Y., at Courtland Academy, and on Septem- 
ber 10, 1856, married Anna M., daughter of Dr. M. B. Bellows, of Seneca 
Falls, N. Y. She was born September 23, 1834. Emigrated to Clinton, 
Iowa, in 1865,' where he resided till the spring of 1874, at which time he 
came to California, locating in Vacaville, Solano county, in March of that 
year; and on October 1, 1874, he moved to his present farm, formerly 
known as the old Weldon rancho, consisting of 156 acres, in said township^ 
where he has since ^permanently resided. In August, 1862, Mr. Buck was 
commissioned First Lieutenant of Company "H," 157th N. Y. V. I., but 
resigned in February, 1863, on account of ill health, returning to his 
home in New York State. His children are Emma L., Frank H., Nellie 
M., Fred M., and Anna M. 

CAMPBELL, ROBT. G., born November 3, 1814, in Kentucky. In 1831 
moved with his parents to Missouri, where he learned the carpenter trade, 
and followed it and farming as a business until 1850, when he emigrated 
to California, and arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, on August 20th 
of that year. At once proceeded to the Sacramento valley, on the Ameri- 

ij^can river, and was among the first who raised grain in that valley. He 



456 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

farmed, teamed, and mined until IS-D-i, when he came to Vaca valley, So- 
lano county, and settled on the place now owned bj' Mr. Butcher, and 
farmed, in company wath A. D. Starke, for one year, moving in the fall 
of 1855 to a place then kno-wn as Wolf place, about a fourth of a mile 
east of Vacaville, and in company with Dobbins and Starke put in 
grain for the sole purpose of provitling hog-feed, thinking it more 
valuable for that pui-pose ; from hei-e moved upon another ti-act, a 
portion of the Barker grant, and soon after purchased the plot (squat- 
ter's title) of one hundred and sixty acres, and followed ranching from 
this time up till 1866, when he sold out his interest and turned his 
attention to carpentering, continuing this until 1869, when, in partner- 
ship -with Starke, he went to Oregon and bought horses, bringing them to 
this State on speculation. This, however, not proving sufficiently lucrative 
he went back to his trade, working at it till 1872, when he entered into 
partnership with G. M. Gates, and dealt in live stock for about two years- 
Was appointed Road Master of Yaca\'ille to^^^lship in March, 1875, which 
office he still holds. 

CONNELLY, JAMES, born March 15, 1828, in comity Roscommon, Ireland. 
At the age of twenty-two he emigi-ated to the United States, and made 
his home in Boston for about four years, where he canied on a farm. In 
Jime, 1855 he started for California, making the trip by water, and on 
aiTival settled in Napa county and commenced farming. On November 
2, 1856, he married Miss Margaret Fleming, of San Francisco, who was 
born in county Waterford, Ireland, March 24, 1834, and at once located 
in Pleasant vallej', where he piu-chased a tract of land, which he dis- 
posed of after residing on it over six years. He next purchased lifty-six 
and one-quarter acres in the Gibson Canon, about two miles north of 
YacavUle, where he cultivates fruit, etc. His only living child is Alice F., 
born July 4, 1866. 

CUMMONS, JOHN HARBERT, born Januan,- 21, 1843, in Licking county, 
Ohio, from whence he moved with his parents, at the age of four years, 
to Bates county, Missouri. In the Spring of 1857 started with his father 
for California, dri\-ing a band of cattle across the plains, and arrived at 
Stockton on November 18th of that year. From this place they proceeded 
to Calaveras county, and farmed until 1862, when he left for Aurora, Ne- 
vada, and here married, March 19, 1864, Miss Margaret Pany, who was 
born August 6, 1844, in South Wales, Great Britain. In 1865 moved to 
Colfax and built the first house in the town; thence to Truckee for two 
years, after whieli he proceeded to Alameda, where he put up the first 
turn-table on the coast, for the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Mr. 
C. now took up his residence in Vallejo. In 1873 he, however, moved to 
San Francisco, but in June, 1877, he returned to Solano county, and 
located at Vacaville. He has a family of six children. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 457 

DAVIS, W. B., was born in Madison county, Kentucky, September 5, 1828, 
wliich he left with his parents in 1835, for Missouri. When in -this State 
he commenced the occupation of farming, which he successively pursued 
in Caliway county for three years, and Macon county until 1850. In 
this year he left for the Rocky Mountains, and arrived at Gi'een River, 
where he traded with the Indians and emigrants, as well as run a ferry 
over Green River. Here he remained five years, after which he came to 
California, where he has since resided. Mr. Davis married, in December, 
1 84G, Miss Emeline Wells, by whom he has Francis A., born March 6, 
1848; Clara P., born December 22, 1851; George W., born September 18, 
1860; Eva, born July 28, 18G3; and Jessie, born September 22, 18G7. 

DAVIS, I. F., is a native of Canada, where he was born April 13, 1826. 
Hei-e he was educated, and where he first engaged in farming, but during 
the latter part of the time he resided there he followed the lumber trade. 
In November, 1868, he moved to Norton, Essex county, Vermont, where 
he kept a hotel. Here he remained until August, 1873, when he sold his 
furniture, rented the hotel, and returned to Canada, but only i-emained 
there till December 10 of that year, when he left Montreal for California, 
arriving in Oakland, December of that year, where he settled for nearly 
four months, residing with his brother, E. S. Davis. From Oakland he 
came to this town, where he has been the proprietor of the Davis House. 
Married Miss Minei'va, daughter of Nathaniel Green, of Canada. They 
have Emma F. and William H. 

DAY, M. D., EDWARD W., born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1831. 
His father, during the Rebellion, was a real estate agent and farmer, and 
at the time the advance-guard of Stewart's Cavalry made a raid through 
Baltimore county he had the "Stars and Stripes" floating from the flag- 
staff in front of his house. The rebels sought to pull it dovra, but were 
told by Mr. Day that if any one attempted so to do he would certainly 
be killed in the venture. They did it; and he shot one man and woiuided 
anothei-, and, finding it growing too warm for him, he effected his escape 
to Baltimore City, where he remained. On his departure the rebels 
burned his house and everything belonging to him. He was at the time 
seventy-five years of age, and died nine years later, when eighty-four. 
His son Edward, the subject of this sketch, in 1853, having passed through 
a course of medical studies, and graduated from the University of Mary- 
land, left in that year for California, which he reached in May, and with 
his brother went to the mines about twelve miles from French Corral. 
Shortly after his brother sold out, and they both went to Rogue River 
Valley, Oregon, where they prosecuted mining at Jackson Creek and 
vicinity, but, the Indians becoming troublesome and committing great 



458 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

depredations, the valley inhabitants were forced into hostilities, which 
eventuated in a treaty that was observed for only one short year, when 
the same tactics were again pursued by the aboriginals. At this junctiu'e 
volunteers were called out by the Governor, and on their formation Doc- 
tor Day acted as Assistant Surgeon of the Southern Battalion of the 
Oregon Vohmteers. They waged war with the Indians for eight or nine 
months, with the result of the enemy being dispersed. In the year 1858 
he left Oregon, and in June came to Vacavdlle, where he now resides. 

DOWNEY, D. M., was born in Pietobury, Pennsylvania, September 23, 
l>So>S, where he followed farming until he emigi-ated to this State in Oc- 
tober, 18.58, locating at San Francisco; thence to Sacramento, and from 
there to Nevada, where he remained only one month, prospecting among 
the mines, then came to Solano county and settled in Vacaville, and 
located on a farm. In the Spring of 1865 made a trip to Oregon, but 
after two months returned and visited his native State, and was gone 
three months. With the exception of two visits he made in the East in 
1876 and 1877, he has been a permanent resident of this county. 

BUTTON, DAVID DEWEY, was born in Berkshire county, Mass., in the 
year 1816, April -Ith, where his father was a farmer. In his boyhood he 
left home and went to Illinois and engaged in farming until the year 
1839, when he crossed the plains to Oi-egon in company with D. G. John- 
son, Charles Klein, Peter Lassen, J. Wright, William Wiggins and others, 
and there remained one winter, when they sailed for California in the 
vessel " Lausenne," and were three weeks in reaching Baker's Bay, a 
distance of only ninety miles. On the 3d of July tlie ship left the mouth 
of the Columbia River, and after being out thirteen days arrived at 
Bodega, a harbor then in possession of the Russians. Here a dilemma 
arose of quite a threatening character. The Mexican Conmiandant, Gen- 
eral Vallejo, sent a squad of soldiers to prevent their landing ; however, 
at this crisis the Russian Governor arrived and ordered them to leave, 
which they did. The subject of this sketch did not land, but started 
with the vessel to the Sand^\^ch Islands, where he remained for one year, 
being emploj-ed in the American Consul's store. From there he next 
sailed to the Society Islands, staying at Otaheite for about six months, 
when he left for Valparaiso, in South America. Here he resided for six 
months and thence to Callao, then went to Pata, a port much frequented 
by whalei-s, and, after six months, took passage for Guayaquil in Colum- 
bia, South America. Six months after he returned to Valparaiso and 
there set sail for California, ha\ang entered into arrangements to construct 
a mill in that country for a Mr. Smith. He landed at Bodega, the very 
poi-t from which he had previously sailed, and starting thence he paid his 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 459 

way by woi-k, after building the mill at port Bodega, until he gained 
Sutter's Fort — now Sacramento — where he was employed at his trade of 
a carpentei". From the Fort he removed to Butte county and commenced 
farming operations, which he continued for several years in that district, 
and in 1846 located in Solano county and engaged in stock raising and 
farming, the lands of which he eventually sold out, but still owns prop- 
erty in the southern part of the State. Mr. Button married February 19, 
185G, Miss Martha J. Pearson, who was born in 1829, and has children 
born : Ellat Lovina, born September 1, 1857 ; Charles Dewey, born 
September 11, 1860; Wallace Newton, bom October 8, 1863; David 
Willoughby, born August 20, 1866 ; Cora Belle, born September 7, 1869 ; 
Esther Maud, born September 27, 1872; Nina Martha, born April 5, 1876. 

ESQUIVEL, ANTONIO MARIA, born September 10, 1826, in New Mexico 

and came to California August 10, 1854, working for wages until 1866, 
wlien he commenced the yearly purchase of land as mentioned below: In 
1866, 320 acres; 1867, 90 acres; 1868, 680 acres; 1869, 120 acres; 1870, 
280 acres; 1872,1,000 acres; making a total of 2,490 acres, all adapted 
to grain growing, situated nine miles west of Dixon and five and one-half 
north of Vacaville. Mi-. Esquivel resides on his property. 

EVERSOLE, HENRY, born March 27, 1835, in Perry county, Ohio, where 
he assisted his father on the farm of the latter. On March 5, 1854, he 
left his home and came to California, arriving at Grizzly Flat, El Dorado 
county, on September 5th of that year, and remained there until August 15, 
1858, following his trade of a carpenter, with mining, until he came to 
Vacaville, Solano county. He married, May 4, 1865, Miss Isabella 
Creighton, born September 26, 1845, in Davis county, Iowa, by whom he 
has Efta Jane, born November 15, 1866; Elton Mantz, born April 24, 1869; 
Mary Olive, born November 12, 1870; and Frank Creighton, born May 
11, 1876. 

ELLIOTT, JAMES MONROE, is a native of Harrison county, Kentucky, 
having been born there July 1, 1820. Removed with his parents, when 
fifteen years of age, to Washington county, Missouri, where he remained 
one year ; thence to St. Louis county, Missouri, and remained until he 
was twenty-five. In 1846 returned to Washington county and married, 
March 5th of the above year. Miss Celia A. Paul. In the spring of 1849 
he emigrated to California, crossing the plains with an ox team, in com- 
pany with a brother and several neighbors, leaving behind his wife and 
two children. Arrived at Hangtown, now Placerville, on September 
15, 1849, and followed mining until the end of January, 1850, when he 
embarked on the steamer " Panama," at San Francisco, for the Eastern 



460 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

States ; arrived home on March 20th, and on April 4th, following, started 
to re-cross the plains with his family and several friends. At Independ- 
ence, Missouri, they were joined by several other gold seekers, making a 
train of about forty wagons. Here Mr. Elliott was appointed Captain of 
the train, as he had experience on the plains and was acquainted with 
the lay of the land. At Fort Hall the company became disorganized, 
having had a good deal of sickness from cholera and fever. It was, 
therefore, decided to turn their faces towards the Oregon line, as the 
direction they were then pursuing seemed to entail destruction to man 
and beast. Thus they moved northward and landed in Linn county, at 
the forks of the Santiam river, where he had one section of land donated 
to himself and his wife by the Government. On this tract they resided 
for seventeen years. In the fall of 1867 Mr. E. came to Solano county 
and farmed for one year ; thence to Mendocino county for five years, 
making farming and stock raising his business. In 1874 he I'eturned to 
this county and settled in Lagoon valley, purchasing the Scanlett ranch, 
containing 320 aci'es, and followed farming and stock raising until 1877, 
when he sold his property and moved to the town of Vacaville in order 
to give his children school advantages. Mr. Elliott has eight children, 
four boys and four girls : Erastus P., Amanda J., Mary E., Adelaide, 
Sophronia, Winfield S., James L., and William P. 

GETCHINS, WILLIAM W., was born in Green, Chenango county, New 
York, August 30, 1828. At the age of twelve he moved with his parents 
to Luzerne county. Pa., and in the year 1851 emigrated to Illinois. In the 
year 1850 he came to California and worked in the mines until 1861, 
then turned his attention to farming and different speculations in Shasta 
county. He next left for Oregon, where he once more followed mining, 
and in the year 1866 returned to Shasta and passed about two years 
there, when he proceeded to Siskiyou county, and, after four years there, 
.settled in Vacaville, Solano county, November, 1875, where he is engaged 
in the saloon business. 

JOHNSON, W. When but twenty-one years of age the subject of this 
sketch left his home in Beaver.county, Pennsylvania, where he was born 
on December 15, 1837, and went to Black Hawk county, Iowa, and 
remained there for only a short time, removing to Leavenworth, Kansas, 
from which place he proceeded to Salt Lake City. From this point he 
joined a party who were on the point of leaving for Arizona, but hearing 
that the Indians were hostile they altered their course and made for San 
Bernardino, in Southern California, arriving there in the wnnter of 1857- 
58. Hence, Mr. Johnson proceeded to Los Angeles, and, obtaining 
employment ^vith one Will Wolfskill for eighteen months, he next left 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 461 

for Pleasants' valley, where he was occupied but for a short time, when he 
commenced farming on his own account. This he continued only for one 
year, when he returned to the employ of Mr. Pleasants, remaining with 
him three years, when he purchased the place on which he now resides, 
engaging in the pursuit of raising fruit and grain. He married Florence 
Powell, September 5, 1873, who was born July 28, 1853. He has one 
child, Benjamin, born July 8, 1875. 

KIDD, W. B. R., was born May 14, 1826, in Fentress county, Tennessee, 
where he was educated. Married Miss Jane Williams of Tennessee, in 
October, 1848, who died. In Octobei-, 1863, married Mrs. Jane Ujjchurch, 
and in 1 870 left native State with family, and went to Clinton Co., Ky., 
where he followed farming and trading for two years. Emigrated to 
California July, 1871, and landed at Stockton, where he remained two 
years, when he returned to his native State, where he remained until 
June, 1874, when he returned to California, and settled in Stockton for a 
short time ; and thence to Union Island, where he resided about one year. 
Came to this county in February, 1877, and settled in Lagoon valley, pur- 
chasing the old Scarlett ranch of J. M. Elliott, comprising 330 acres of 
land, where he now resides. Has a family of nine living children — four 
by first wife, and five by second, as follows ; Mary E., born July 21, 1849 ; 
Elsie L., born June 4, 1850 ; MUHq Ann, born Dec. 6, 1853 ; Margaret 
Jane, born Jan. 11, 1855; Laivery J., born July 27, 1864; Granville T., 
born Dec. 12, 1866 ; Johnny, born Nov. 26, 1871 ; William, born Nov. 26, 
1875 ; Viola Jane, born May 26, 1878. 

KORNS, LEVI, was born Februaiy 16, 1829, in Pennsylvania; and at the 
age of one year, moved with his parents to Holmes Co., Ohio, where he 
was educated. Emigrated to California on January 5, and arrived at 
Sacramento February 27, 1852 ; thence to Marysville, where he remained 
one year farming ; from here he went to Oregon ; but after a stay of only 
nine months returned to this State, and engaged in farming at Yreka, 
where he also worked in the mines five years ; and in the fall of 1858 
visited his native State. In September, 1859, he came back to California 
and located in Vaca valley. Purchased his farm of one hundred and 
twenty-five acres, known as the " Bunkbr Hill " ranch, in 1870, on which 
he now resides. Mr. Koi-ns married, August 21, 1878, Mrs. Hattie Thomp- 
son, of Fredonia, N. Y., who was born May 25, 1841. 

LONG, S. W., was born in Versailles, Kentucky, March 17, 1822 ; and 
when still young moved with his parents to Clay county, Missouri. In 
1846 he enlisted and took part in the Mexican War, under Captain O. P. 
Moss, Col. Doniphan, and General Taylor, in Company C, 1st Regiment 



462 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Mounted Volunteers. In the following year was discharged ; and return- 
ing home, he remained there until 1849, when he started across the plains 
for California, arriving at Sacramento on August 7, 1849, having per- 
formed the long journey in four months, and meeting with neither let nor 
hindrance on the way. Mr. Long passed one year at the mines at Long's 
Bar ; and in March, 1850, he came to Vacaville, where he has since re- 
sided. 

MARSHALL, R. C, received his education at the Western Reserve Col- 
lege, at Hudson, Summit county, Ohio, and, after a term of three years, 
he taught school for six. In 18.50, he emigrated to California and reached 
El Doi'ado countj', where he engaged in placer and quartz mining. In 
1855 he was joined by his family and settled in Grizzly Flat, where he 
resided until 1858, when he moved to Vacaville on a visit, but during his 
stay his residence at Grizzly Flat was consumed by fire ; he, therefore, did 
not return thither but remained in the vicinity of Vacaville. Mr. 
Marshall was born in Weathersfield, Trumbull county, Ohio. 

MORTON, HENRY, born in Genesee county. New York, Januaiy 4, 1839. 
Came to California, June, 1S64, by sea and the Isthmus of Panama, 
landing ua San Francisco, but soon after proceeded to Vacaville, whei'e 
he is engaged in farming. 

PENA, DEMETRIO, is, \^-ithout doubt, one of the oldest settlers in 
the county ; born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1820, he accompanied his 
parents to California in 1840 and arrived in Los Aiigeles, where thej' re- 
mained one year, and, in 1841, came to Vacaville. His father, in com- 
pany with Manuel Vaca, took up ten leagues of land in and aromid Vaca 
valley, including the site of the present town of Vacaville. In 1844, the 
subject of this sketch, in company with his father, moved on his present 
rancheria in Lagoon valley, comprising 800 acres. He married, in 1849, 
Miss Inez Berryessa, of Sonoma, by whom he had a family of twelve 
children, there being now alive : Neavis, David, Juan, Seto, Isabella and 
Frederica. 

PLEASANTS, WILLIAM J., born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, May 31, 
1834. His parents went to Missouri in 1835 and followed farming until 
1849, when they emigrated to California, arriving first at Bidwell's Bar, 
in 1849, and, in 1850, they moved to Pleasants' valley, Solano county. 
He married, December 3, 1857, Miss Nancy Hopper, by whom he has 
eight chikken, four sons and four daughters : Sarah Alice, born Nov. 11, 
1858 ; Ansal Putnam, born Feb. 6, 1861 ; Emma Belle, born Mar. 18, 
1863 ; Lydia Tolitha, born Feb. 28, 1865 ; \Vm. James, Jr., born June 30, 
1867 ; Laura Frances, born Dec. 16, 1869 ; Thomas Royal, born Aug. 5, 
1872 ; Russel Mason, born Dec. 18, 1874. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 463 

ROGERS, JAMES ROE, was born in Kentucky, November 14, 1826, 
and, at the age of fourteen, moved with his parents to Missouri, where he 
remained until Spring of 1850, when he emigrated to Cahfornia, making 
the trip across the plains with ox teams. He first settled in Sacramento, 
whei'e he bought a hotel on the road leading from that city to Bear river. 
Grass valley and Nevada. This business he followed until eai-ly in 1857, 
when he left for Poor Man's, Nelson and Hopkins' creek, on Feather river, 
and from there to Middle Yuba, where he worked until the Fall, whence 
he proceeded to the southern mines. In the Spring of 1853, he paid a 
visit to the State of Missouri, once more crossing the plains in the Fall of 
the following year and located in Santa Rosa valley, Sonoma county, en- 
gaging in stock raising. In the Fall of that year he purchased a farm of 
five hundred acres in Elmira township, on which he now resides. Mr. 
Rogers married, first, in Sacramento, September 15, 1853, Miss Mary Ann 
Williams, she died June 4, 1865 ; and, secondly, January 14, 1866, Miss 
Laura C. Church, of Dixon, who was born June 15, 1844. His family 
consists of six children, four by his first and two by his second wife ; 
their names are: Ann Eliza, born October 9, 1854, died January, 1857; 
Commodore Periy, born February 17, 1857 ; Seldon M., born April 26, 
1859 ; Zilla N., born September 25, 18G1 ; Celia May, born May 30,1873; 
and Bertie Agnes, born January 16, 1876. 

SCARLETT, J. E., was born May 8, 1853, in Iowa, and at the age of seven 
years, moved with. his parents to Oregon. In 1862, came to this county 
with his father, W. W. Scarlett, and settled in Suisun valley. In 1874, 
returned to Oregon and remained one year, when he returned to this 
State and county, and entered the Baptist College, at Vacaville, Mdiich in- 
stitution he attended for three years. He then went to Los Angeles, 
where he engaged in the butchering business, for a short time ; thence to 
Bakersfield, where he engaged in same business until 1879. On April 
1st, 1S79, he returned to this county and settled in Vacaville, buying out 
James Rogers, in the butchering business, and entered into partnership 
with Geo. F. Wooderson, where he still continues the business. 

SEAMAN, H., was born in Prussia, October 12, 1826. In 1837, emigrated 
to United States, and lived in Ohio until 1852, when he emigrated to 
California, crossing the plains, and landed at Sacramento in July of 
the above year, where he resided for seven years, running a hotel the 
major portion of the time. In January, 1859, came to this county, and 
settled upon the present farm he now owns, comprising 2,200 acres, in 
Putah canon, about four miles west of Winters. Married Miss Ellen 
Ryan, August, 1865. She was born in November, 1834, in county Lim- . 
erick, Ireland. Has had one child, John Henry, who was born August 
19, 1867, and died March, 1874. 



464 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COXJNTY. 

SMITH, W. W., bom May 11, 1832, near Glasgow, Barren county, Ken- 
tucky, where he received his early education, and at the age of twenty 
moved to Abingdon, Illinois, where for live years he worked at the trade 
of cooper. Next entered the Abingdon College, but after two and a half 
years was obliged to relinquish his studies on account of sickness. In the 
spring of 1864 he emigrated to California, first settling in Napa city, June 
1st, of that year, where, in the following fall, he purchased the farm 
known as the Spring Garden Nursery ; he also bought the farm now 
owned by Heniy Bassf ord, but continued to reside on that first named for 
ten years, with the exception of one year which he passed on that in So- 
lano county. In the fall of 1873 he acquired the tract of land on which 
he now lives, which comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres, about 
one-half of which he has set out in fruit trees. He married, March 12, 
1857, Miss Matilda C. Marshall, who was born in Knox county, Mo., by 
whom he has had three children, two of them, Genevra, and Rosa Ophelia 
are still living. 

STAHL, J;, was born March 14, 1844, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, 
on September 10, 1864; entered the army, Company G, 93d Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, was in the battles of Petersburg and Sailors' Run, and 
remained until the close of the war, 20th June, 1865, when he retui-ned 
home to his native State. In August of the above year he went to Illi- 
nois, and worked at his trade (wheelwright) until the fall of 18G6, when he 
retui'ned to Pennsylvania, and remained but a short time. Emigrated to 
this State, making the trip by water, in 186G, landing in San Francisco 
on November 6th. He went directly to ' Amador county, and worked on 
a farm until spring opened, when he went to San Louis Obispo, at which 
place he remained but a short time. Came to this county June 16, 1867. 
In the fall of 1869 he returned to the place of his birth ; thence to Illi- 
nois, whore he spent the winter, and in the spring of 1870 went to Texas, 
remaining a short time; thence to Missouri; thence to Iowa, and in 1871 
returned to California, and settled in Vacaville, this county, where he still 
resides and follows his trade. 

THISSELL, G. W., born April 25, 1829, in Morgan county, Ohio, where he 
was educated, and learned the trade of carriage-making, which he fol- 
lowed until he left his native State, March, 1849, when he started for 
California. He stopped in Mashaska county, Iowa, with his brother 
Ezra, until March, 1850, when he set out on his long trip across the plains 
with an ox-team, and landed at a town known at that time as Hang- 
town, and is now known as Placerville, October 16, 1850, where he fol- 
lowed mining until May, 1851, when he established a hotel, and in July 
was one of the parties who formed a company and commenced the second 
tunnel that was ever run in the State, after which ho found very rich 



THK HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY. 465 

diggings, taking out as high as S125 to the pan. Followed mining, in 
connection with the hotel, until 6th of January, 18.52, when he returned 
to nativ'e State, and fi-om there to Iowa, when he married Miss Asberrene 
Chambers, May 8, 1851, who was born February 5, 1831, in Bartholomew 
county, Indiana. In March, 1853, again emigrated to this State, re-cross- 
ing the plains with ox-teams, and again settled in Hangtown, and fol- 
lowed same business as in 1850-1 until July, 1855, when he came to this 
county and settled in Suisun valley, and followed farming. In July, 
1 857, took up his abode in Pleasants' valley, settling upon the present 
tract of land upon which he now resides, comprising 165 acres, adapted 
to fruit-growing. Has 6,000 fruit trees, most of which are apricots ; also 
10,000 grape vines, all foreign varieties. Has a family of six children, as 
follows : Mary E., born June 6, 1852, on the loop fork of the Platte river; 
John N., born November 29, 1856 ; George W., born April 25, 1858 ; W. 
E., born July 4, 1861 ; Sarah E., born July 15, 1865 ; Minnie L., born, 
May 23, 1870. 

TROUTMAN, GEORGE W., born in Hardin county, Kentucky, March, 
1836, where he received his education. At the age of eighteen went to 
Illinois, and until the spring of 1855 followed farming, when he emigrated 
to California, and settled in Sierra county, there working in the mines 
until August, 1861 ; he then came to this county and purchased a tract of 
land, between Vacaville and Elmira, which he worked till the spring of 
1866, next moving to Vacaville, and from there on to property bought by 
him in Gibson Canon, where he resided from 1874 to 1876. He after- 
wards disposed of this tract and purchased an adjoining piece on the 
south, containing ninety-three acres, upon which he now has his residence. 
Married May 15, 1872, Miss Essie Gamble, who was born in Beloit, Rock 
county. Wis., in December, 1854, and has one child living, Susan Irean, 
bom July 22, 1875. 

WOODERSON, G. F., bom in Bangor, Maine, October 10, 1849. When 
fourteen years of age he left school and entered the Provost Marshal's 
office, under Captain Elijah Low, as clerk, remaining there until the close 
of the war, when the office was abolished in November, 1865. He then 
went into the employ of Ricker & Ireland, dealers in and importers of 
crockery, where he stayed until October, 1868, when falling into ill-health 
he went to the north of Vermont, sojourning there until July, 1875, when 
he came to California and settled in Vacaville, going into the employ of 
Gates & Long, butchers, until October, 1877, when he, in partnership with 
J. R. Rogers, bought out the firm, and have since caiTied on the business. 
Mamed Miss Susan B. Pease, August 1, 1872, at Coaticooke, Canada, who 
was born April 25, 1856. Had one infant, who died at the age of three 
years. 

30 



466 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



MAINE PRAIRIE. 



ELLIOT, GEORGE T., is a native of Genesee coimty, New York, and 
boi-n October 12, 1834. His father died when he was but two years old, 
and at the age of eleven he was sent to reside with James Relya, in the 
pineries of Allegany county N. Y., who agreed to give him an education. 
Yomig Elliot was furnished with an abundance of work, but no school- 
ing, which did not accord with his inordinate love for knowledge. For 
three years he was subjected to this treatment, but, during the time, man- 
aged to master Dayball's Arithmetic, by diligent application during his 
leisure moments, and after the toils of the day was over, and many times 
midnight found him at his studies. Returned to his native comity — being 
only fourteen years old — engaged in farming during summers, and at- 
tending schools during the winter, and in 1854 graduated at the Warsaw 
Academy, in his native State. After traveling in UpjDer Canada, and all 
the Western States, finally settled near Rockford, Winnebago county, 
Ills., where he was engaged as clerk in a store, having full charge of the 
business, until he was obliged to seek other employment on account of 
over work and ill health. After regaining his health he taught school 
two terms. Moved to Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1855, taking 
charge of a wooden manufacturing establishment for one year. Married 
here Sarah L. Trowbridge, on March 12, 1856. She was born December 
24, 1838, at Swanzey, Cheshire comity. New Hampshire, and is a grad- 
uate of Mount Csesar Seminary. Mr. Elliot moved near Watertown, Jef- 
ferson county, Wis., where he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and in con- 
nection with the duties of his office, taught school in winters, also studied 
law. In 1859, went to Columbia county, Wis., where he. farmed and 
taught school. After one year he returned to Cheshire county, N. H., 
taking charge of a blooded stock farm, remaining until April, 1861, when . 
he emigrated to this State, making the trip by steamer, settling on the 
Wolfskin grant in this county. In June, 1864, he took a claim in Maine 
Prairie precinct, six miles from Maine Prairie, where he has since main- 
tained a continuous residence, and engaged in farming and stock raising. 
Although he pre-empted only 160 acres, he now owns about 1200 acres of 
land. He has taken an active interest in the political affairs of the 
county, making his first speech at a primary election in old Washington 
Hall, at Silve}-\'ille, in 1863. In 1872, during the Greeley campaign, he 
lectured in several counties through the State, under the direction of the 
county committee. In 1876, addressed large audiences in the coimties 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 467 

down the coast for Hayes. Has lectured on temperance, and made 
speeches all through this county. Has been Deputy Grand W. C. T., and 
in that capacity lectured in many of the counties of the State, as well as 
before the district session of the Grand Lodge, in Yolo county, in 1877. 
Has practiced his law profession in Maine Prairie for the last three years. 
In every position which, in his eventful life, he has been called to fill, Mr. 
Elliot has been successful in the highest sense. He has left an untar- 
nished record and unspotted reputation. As a business man he has been 
upright, reliable and honorable. In all places, and under all circum- 
stances, he is loyal to truth, honor and right, justly valuing his own self- 
respect, and the deserved esteem of his fellow men, as infinitely more 
valuable than wealth, fame, or position. None excel him in unselfish 
devotion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy recipients of confidence 
and friendship. 
Hattie Eleanor, born Aug. 12, 1857, George Albert, born June lo, 18G0, died 
January 25, 187G, John F., born February 25, 18G8, Chas. R., born Sept. 
6, 1866, Joseph D., born May 20, 1870, and died July 10, 1870, and 
Harold E., born October 18, 1874, are his children. 

TUCK, J., born in York county, Maine, January 22, 1823. When about 
seven years of age he went with his parents to Niagara county, New 
York, where he lived about seven years. His parents then died and he 
went to Lawrence coimty, Michigan, where he made it his home, but was 
in Ohio a portion of the time until about eighteen years old. He then 
went to Illinois and farmed and run a threshing machine for five year-s. 
From here he went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, and farmed for about 
four years when he went to Appleton and engaged in grocery and lumber 
business until the fall of 1851, when he emigrated to California via 
Panama. In January, 1852, he settled on the Vaca grant, about two 
miles east of Vacaville, where he lived for about four years, and then 
settled on his present farm about two and a half miles south-east of 
Batavia. He married Ella Eugle August 21, 1869. She was born in 
Indiana, December 13, 1840. Frank E. and Geo. C. are their children. 



468 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



RIO VISTA. 



BEGUHL, HENRY, was bom in the State of Mecklenburg, Germany, where 
he received his education. At the age of twenty-one he sailed in a Ger- 
man ship as cai-penter, this being his trade, which he followed for three 
years. He left the ship in New York City and came to California in 
January, 1852, and stopped in San Francisco about six months, thence 
proceeding to Redwood City where he worked at his trade until 185.5, 
then purchased a fourth interest of the sloop " Caroline," of which he was 
in command till 1859, when he sold his interest and left for San Francisco. 
Married February 6, 1859, Miss Amelia C. Jurgensen who was born in 
Holstein, Germany, July 26, 1836, and the day after, coming to Solano 
county, he settled on a quarter section where the Shiloh church now 
stands, but sold out in the following June and moved upon the ranch, 
containing 640 acres, where he now resides, four miles west of Rio Vista- 
When Mr. Beguhl first located there was only one house between him 
and Sacramento. He has owned real estate in the county since 1855. 
His living children ai'e Lena A., born November 7, 1859 ; Mary E., born 
January 4, 1863 ; Johannah A., born October 29, 1865 ; Henry J., born 
August 19, 1867 ; John P., born November 1, 1869 ; Minnie M., born 
April 10, 1873 and Bertha C, born August 10, 1875. 

BROWN, D. B., was born in Exeter, Penobscot county, Maine, April 22, 1848 
When six years old his parents moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, 
remaining there till the breaking out of the rebellion, when they emigrated 
to this State, settling at Oroville, Butte county, in the winter of 1862, 
where the subject of this sketch attended school. After clerking in a 
hotel at Marysville for some time he went to the mountains of Yuba 
county, working in a saw mill, afterwards engaged in mining one year or 
over, after which he went to San Francisco, attending Heald's Business 
College, graduating in 1867. He then followed clerking for a period of 
two years, a portion of this time being in the employ of the Merchants' 
Forwarding Line and Meeker, James & Co. of San Francisco. He then 
went to Benicia in the employ of J. G. Johnson, J. W. Jones and J. Hoyt ; 
from here he went to Collinsville in employ of T. P. Hooper, where he 
remained for two years, and then went to Emmaton and stopped two 
years ; thence to Antioch, clerking ; then to Vallejo, and from there to 
Isleton, Sacramento county, and built a saloon which he conducted about 
one year and then took up his abode in Amador county and clerked in 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 469 

store for some time, and then came back to Isleton, and from here to Rio 
Vista where he rented River View Hotel which he runs at the present 
time. Married September 18, 1878, Miss Sarah A. Pease, who was born 
September 26, 1832, in Columbia county, Wisconsin. 

BRUNING, JOSEPH, was born in Vichtee, Grand Duchy, Oldenburg, July 
18, 1822. When about twelve years old he went to the city of Amster- 
dam where he was employed as clerk in a general merchandise stoi'e for 
about six years, after which he followed the sea for twelve years. In 
18-50 he came to this country and landed in San Francisco and immedi- 
ately went to the mines on Yuba river. He then went to San Francisco 
and engaged in the hotel business which he followed until 1858, when he 
came to this county and settled on the Los Ulpinos grant, the present 
site of Rio Vista, where he has resided ever since, carrying on farming on 
a large scale. Has also several large and commodious warehouses. Mr. 
Bruning married Miss Gertrude Blase April 25, 1855. She was born in 
Osnabrick, Germany, July 25, 1829. 

BUTLER, N. C, born in Tennessee, January 16, 1826. When about eighteen 
months old he moved with his parents to Morgan county, Illinois, where 
they lived for three years, and then moved to Warren county where they 
lived until 1839 when they emigrated to Iowa City, Iowa, where his 
father built the second house ever erected in that city. He died Novem- 
ber, 1845. N. C. remained there until 1850 when he crossed the plains 
to California, arriving at Washington on the Yuba river September 26th 
of the same year, leaving his mother at Iowa City who is still living at 
the advanced age of 76. The subject of this sketch mined at Washington 
for about one month and then went to New Town where he mined until 
March of the next year. He then went to Bidwell's Bar on Feather river 
where he mined for about two months and then engaged in merchandis- 
ing at Little Grass Valley for about three months. He then mined on 
the Alabama Bar on the Yuba river until September. He then mined 
for about one year at Sucker Flat. He came to this county in fall of 
1852 and settled in Suisun valley, two miles west of Suisun, on 80 acres 
of land, where he farmed for one year. He then went on to the farm 
commonly know as the Lewis Winn place, situated in the upper end of 
Suisun valley, where he farmed for one year. He then bought 80 acres 
adjoining the first farm that he lived on when he first came to the county, 
where he farmed until 1856. He then bought 33 acres of R. H. Water- 
man about two miles north of Fairfield where he lived until the fall of 
1859, when he moved to Fairfield where he made a business of training 
horses, and held the office of Constable for four years. In the fall of 
1869 he moved upon the farm where he now lives, about eight miles 
north-west of Rio Vista. He owns and farms 320 acres of land. 



470 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Mr. Butler married Miss Paulina Barker in December, 1853. She was horn 
in Estill county, Kentucky, April 18, 1825. Their children are Mary E., 
deceased, Arthur W., Henry W., Leathie J., Mary E., Lulu B. and John H. 

CARTER, ROBERT C, is a native of Reding, England, and born Feb- 
ruary 3, 1834, emigrating to America with his parents in 1841, the 
family taking up their residence in Brookljm, New York, where the sub- 
ject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of that city, and 
where he resided until March, 1852, when he came to California, remain- 
ing in San Francisco until 1859, when he came to old Rio Vista, in com- 
pany -w^th his father, Robert Carter, who had come to this State. They 
carried on a fish cannery, it being the fir.st one operated on this coast. 
This business they followed until their buildings were swept away by the 
flood of 1862. The subject then moved to Rio Vista and conducted a 
small cannery business until 1865, when he opened a tin store. In 1875, 
he originated and carried out the plan for supplying his town with water 
from the river. Married, February 3, 1865, Miss Susan Davis, of New 
York City, and born May 13, 1838 ; have one child living, Robert D., born 
January 6, 1866. 

CURRIE, ALEXANDER, was born October 30, 1844, in New Bruns- 
wick, where he was educated and followed farming ; emigrated to Cali- 
fornia, settled in Solano county in October, 1868. He purchased at that 
time 160 acres of fine farming land, located seven miles west from Rio 
Vista. Although, when he came to this place there were no farms among 
the " hills," and all among these hills and down the valleys, as far as the 
eye could reach, wild oats grew in profusion, but now how changed ! All 
around are well-kept farms, groves and fruit trees. Mr. Currie com- 
menced life on this farm with one dollar in money, but now he has a 
beautiful home, showing what perseverance and determination will do. 
Mr. C.'s father and mother came with him to this country ; his father, 
John Currie, was born May 17, 1792, and died January 3, 1875. His 
mother was bom March 16, 1806, and died July 12, 1875. 

DOZIER, W. G., born in Georgetown, South Carolina, on May 5, 1 833. 
Entered U. S. Naval Academy April 1, 1850 ; remained in the navy until 
latter part of December, 1860 passing through the various grades to 
lieutenant, when he resigned and returned to South Carolina on her 
seceding from the Union. Served in the naval branch of the State forces 
until turned over to the Southern Confederacy ; remained in the C. S. 
navy until the close of the war, and surrendered at Appomattox C. H., 
Va. Held several commands during the war and served at various places 
from New Orleans to Richmond. Was married to Mary B, Atkinson, in 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 471 

Georgetown, South Carolina, on December 22, 1859, and by her had five 
sons. This lady was born near Georgetown, South Carolina, in August 
1835, and died and was buried there December, 1868. In 1869, Mr. D. 
moved to California and located in Rio Vista, this county. While acting 
as agent for the P. C. S. S. Co. at San Diego, California, he married Miss 
Louise M. Williams, daughter of Dr. John S. Williams of that place. 
They have two children, a daughter and son. He is now a member of 
the mercantile firm of Wilcox, Ruble & Dozier, at Rio Vista. 

EMIGH, T. P., born in Saratoga, New York, January 24, 1840, where 
he was educated and followed farming until 1862, when he emigrated to 
California, via Panama, arriving in San Francisco April 26, of same year, 
with $7 00 in pocket and $100 in debt. He immediately hired out to 
S. Daniels, in Alameda county, and worked at farming for eighteen 
months, after which he rented a farm at Lakeville, Sonoma county, which 
he conducted for one year. He then bought the milk route, at San Fran- 
cisco, known as the " S. F. Dairy," which business he followed for two 
years. He then came to this county and settled on the ranch known as 
the Gardiner ranch, just north of Rio Vista, where he farmed for three 
years, the last year, however, he had charge of the Bruning warehouse. 
In the Fall of 1870, he took a flying trip to his native State, where he 
i-emained only one month. After his return, he went into partnership 
with Captain James Johnson, where they conducted the Bruning ware- 
house, in connection with the lumber business for two years, when they 
bought Perry's Landing, which is now known as New Town Landing, 
where they have three large warehouses and deal extensively in lumber. 
Mr. Emigh man-ied Rachel Lawhead, September, 1869, a native of Ohio. 
Their chikh-eu are William J., Nellie M., Milton, James P. 

FERGUSON, WM., born in Province, New Brunswick, Canada, Sept. 11, 
1872, where he received his education, and learned the can'iage maker's 
trade, which he followed until October, 1865, when he went to Massachu- 
setts, and resided about one year. In 1866 he returned to Canada on a 
visit, and from here came to California, arriving in San Francisco Nov. 
29, 1866, and from here to Mission San Jose, and followed his trade for 
about 8 months. He then returned to San Francisco, where he remained 
for a short time, and then came to this county, locating in fall of 1867, 
taking up his abode in Binghamton, where he resided for two years. He 
then went to Sacramento, where he remained about 5 months ; thence to 
Rio Vista, in March, 1870, where he has resided ever since, with excep- 
tion of one year, (part of 1870 and 1871), up to the present time. He 
carried on wagon-making and blacksmithing. Married August 19, 1874, 
Miss Mary Cook, of Rio Vista. She was born Aug. 15, 1853, in Province, 



472 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Canada. Have 2 children, Mary Edith, born June 1, 1876 ; William C, 
born July 19, 1877. 

FISOUS, JOHN B., is a native of Armstrong county. Pa., having been born 
there Februaiy 27. 1843. Until eighteen years of age he followed the 
pursuits to be found on a farm, when he essayed his fortunes in the oil 
regions, continuing there for two years. In 1862 he started for Califor- 
nia, crossing the plains, but stopped in Nevada, from July 4, 1862, until 
March, 1865, where he had charge of a stock and hay ranch ; then he pro- 
ceeded to the Golden State, and settled in Solano county, in the town of 
Rio Vista, where he clerked in a hotel and post office until a year 
ago, since when he has kept a livery stable. Was appointed Deputy 
SheriiTof Solano county, in 1875, and, June 3, 1878, was appointed Con- 
stable for Rio Vista township, both of which offices he continues to hold_ 
Mr. Fiscus married April 2, 1863, Miss Ida Squares, who was born in 
Brooklyn, N. Y., October, 1852, by whom he has one child, Chester S. 
born January 14, 1875. 

GARDINER, JOHN H., is a native of New Jersey, where he received a com- 
mon school education, finishing with an academical course in Philadel- 
phia. On leaving school he entered a dry goods store in that city, where 
he remained five years. 

Upon becoming of age he received an engagement to take charge of a branch 
store of a large dry goods house doing business in Baltimore. During his 
connection with the house he resided at intervals in the States of Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Maryland. Upon the receipt of the news 
of the discovery of gold in California, he, with a party of seven others, 
embarked for this State, leaving Baltimore in the latter part of December, 
1848, in the schooner Sovereign, the vessel having on board a company 
of 125 passengers. The scbooner landed at Porto Bello, at the mouth of 
the Chagres, the passengers ascending the river and thence by mules to 
Panama. There being no established communication \vith California the 
party chartered a vessel — the bark John Ritson, of Marysport, England — 
and sailed for San Francisco in February, arriving on the 18th day of 
May, 1849, after a tedious voyage, prolonged partly by the vessel being 
obliged to put into Acapulco for supplies of provisions and water. Re- 
maining in San Francisco but a short time, he proceeded to Sacramento, 
and thence to the mines — then known as New Diggings, now the town of 
Auburn. 

Notwithstanding the large pay at that time, Mr. Gardiner abandoned the 
mines and returned to San Francisco, for the purpose of engaging in mer- 
cantile affairs — his last day's work as a miner being rewarded by more 
than one hundred dollars worth of gold dust. The party of seven 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 473 

members remained together, and engaged in merchandising, having three 

O ' DO O' O 

stores in operation in the city, erecting the first building that stood upon 
the south-west corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. The con- 
cern of Cooper & Co. prospered largely, and soon found themselves pos- 
sessed of a large stock of goods, they doing a large wholesale trade. The 
great fires that laid waste the city in 1850 swept away all they had, and 
the party broke up. Getting together a stock of assorted merchandise 
• Mr. Gardiner and another member of the old firm opened store at Santa 
Cruz, where he remained six months. Retiring again to San Francisco 
he continued in the mercantile business, in which occupation he contin- 
ued until his removal to this county. 

During the year 1867 he revisited the Eastern States, extending his trip 
to Europe, visiting Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, 
France, England, etc. After his return to the State he married, and soon 
thereafter moved to his present pleasant home on the bank of the Sacra- 
mento river, at Rio Vista. 

In 1876 Mr. Gardiner and his wife visited the Eastern States, for the pur- 
pose of attending the Centennial Exhibition, and paying a last visit to 
his former home — attending the sessions of the National Agricultural 
Congress, as a delegate from California. 

In the formation of society, in the early days of San Francisco, he was 
amongst the foremost, being one of the founders of the Mercantile Library, 
serving as Director and Secretary in the institution, and is a prominent 
member of the Society of California Pioneers, being, at the present time, 
Vice-President of the Society. 

He has always taken an active part in all matters, both political and social, 
pertaining to the welfare of the country ; and it can be truthfully said of 
the subject of this sketch, that he has always regarded toil as manly and 
ennobling ; and after passing through an honorable yet checkered life, he 
is now enjoying the comforts of a happy home, beloved by his wife and 
friends, and respected by the citizens of the State in which he lives. 

GURNEE, JACOB, was born in Rockland county, N. Y., June 16, 1820, 
where he was educated and lived until about fifteen years old, when he 
moved to Westchester county, where he was employed in a brickyard 
until 1840 ; he then went to Stratton Island, where he found employment 
on a schooner which run between the above place and New York City, 
where he was employed until 1850. He then took the steamer " W. J. 
Pease " for San Francisco, arriving Jan. 19, 1851, being nearly one year 
making the trip. After remaining in San Francisco about three months 
went to mining on the American river, where he remained six months, 
after which he followed boating on the San Francisco bay, until March) 
1852. He then took passage on the steamer '.' Independence," for New 



474 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

York City ; but returned to California in about three months, and followed 
mining at Downieville for a short time ; after which was engaged as pilot 
on the Sacramento river until 1862 ; then took charge of a large ocean 
steamer which was lying at anchor, for about seven years. In January. 
1870, bought the " Eclipse " saloon at Rio Vista, which he still owns and 
has charge of at the present time. Married Miss Caroline Eddie in 1841, 
who died in 1849, leaving two children — William, and Harriet. Married 
his present wife, Miss Mary Ann Higgings, 28th day of February, of the 
year 1867. 

JOHNSON, CAPT. JAMES, was born in Denmark, Aug. 26, 1836. At the 
age of twelve years commenced following the sea. At the age of fifteen 
years went to England, and shipped on a vessel bound for Melbourne, 
Australia. Paid the gold mines there a short visit. Left Aiistralia on the 
ship " James T. Ford," bound for Callao, Peru, where he shipped and was 
emploj^ed as Quartermaster on the mail steamers plying between Valpa- 
raiso and Panama, for about six months, arriving in San Francisco, Sept. 
1852. Followed the sea, with slight interruptions, until 1859, when he 
made a trip to his native country, returning after an absence of four 
months. Purchased a schooner shortly after his return, which he com- 
manded, and continued in the coasting and inland trade until 1870, when 
he located at Rio Vista, and formed a partnership with T. P, Emigh, in 
the warehouse and lumber business. In 1872, bought their present place 
of business, Newtown Landing, formerly Perry's Landing. They employ 
in their grain and lumber business, two schooners — " St. James," and 
" Wonder," which were built and o\\Tied by Mr. Johnson before his partner- 
ship with Mr. Emigh. Mr. Johnson married Miss Catherina C. LorentzeU' 
February 6th, 1863, a native of Denmark. Their children are James, 
Frederick C, Otto J., Hannah C, William, Adeline C, Lena C, Katie, 
Selma. 

MENZIES, THOMAS, was born in New Brunswick, June 13, 1832^ 
where he received his education and followed farming. Married, January- 
4, 1855, Miss Margaret Currie, who was born. January 4, 1S34, in New 
Brunswick. Mr. Menzies came to California by water, in 1806, and set- 
tled in Petaluma, where he resided and worked on a farm for one year. 
Came to this county September 16, 1867, and pu chased 160 acres of 
land, where he now resides, six miles west of Rio Vista and nine miles 
east of Denverton. He farms in all 320 acres. Has reared a family of 
twelve children, ten of whom are living: James, born January 17, 1856; 
John C, born June 17, 1857, and died January 9, 1872; William W., born 
July 5, 1859; Dora A., born November 1, 1861; Thomas, born November 
8, 1863; Robert A., born April 2, 1866; David S., born June 4, 1868; 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 475 

Eliza J., born March 21, 1870, and died December 31, 1871 ; Emma J. and 
Ell ward A. (twins), born October 23, 1872; Maggie E., born March 22, 
1874: John B., born July 22, 1877. 

PIETRZYCKI, M. D., MARCEL, was born April 2.5, 1843, in Galicia, a Polish 
province of Austria, where he was educated as an apothecary and chemist. 
Came to the United States in 1866. Took up his abode in Hazleton, 
Pennsylvania, where he studied medicine with Dr. Arnold part of 1866 
and 1867. Emigrated to California in the Fall of 1867, and settled in 
San Francisco, receiving the appointment of an apothecary in the German 
Hospital, where he remained for five years, during part of which time he 
attended the Pacific Medical College, where he graduated in 1S72. In 
1873 went to Stockton to practice his profession, remaining there about 
five months. Came to this county in November of the same year, and 
settled in Rio Vista, where he now resides and practices medicine. Has 
always taken an active part in enterprises pertaining to the welfare of 
the town. Was twice elected School Trustee, also Clerk of the Board. 
Took a very active part, and in fact was one of the prime movers, in estab- 
lishing the Montezuma Telegraph Line from Suisun to Rio Vista. He 
married, June 29, 1876, Miss Mary Warren, of San Mateo, daughter of 
Rev. J. H. Warren, Superintendent of the Home Missionary Society of 
the Congregational Church. 

POND, DAVID A., born in Carlton, Green county, Illinois, February 24, 
1840, where he was educated and followed farming. Married Miss Ma- 
tilda Ferguson, June 24, 1863. She was born February 27, 184.5, in Carl- 
ton, Illinois. In October, 1873, the subject of this sketch emigrated to 
California and settled at Rio Vista, this county. Was employed as a 
butcher, by different firms, up to about two years ago, when he formed a 
partnei'ship with James U. Chase, and carried on butchering, but on Octo- 
ber 2.5, 1878, Mr. C. sold out, and the firm is now known as Pond & Knox, 
where they are doing business. Has had two children, but both are 
dead. Edward, born February 23, 1866, died July 27, 1868; Clara, born 
December 13, 1868, died May 31, 1874. 

SICEAL, M. T., born in Hancock county, Illinois, January 23, 1850, where 
he resided until April, 1858, when he set sail with his parents for Cali- 
fornia, via Panama. Arrived at San Francisco May 15th, same year. 
Came immediately to Beiiicia, where he remained but a short time, cross- 
ing the straits to Martinez, Contra Costa county, going to school most of 
the time until January, 1868, when he entered the State Normal School 
at San Francisco, where he remained five months, when he came to this 
county, and taught school near Dixon for four months. He then entered 



4>76 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

a business college at San Francisco, remaining three months, when he 
again taught school, this time in Contra Costa county, for one year. He 
then entered the State Normal School again, "where he remained for three 
months. He again taught school for five months, in Sutter county, when 
he once more returned to the State NoiTual School, where he remained 
until he gi-aduated, March 15, 1871. He then returned to this county, 
and ta,ught in Dixon for two years, being the first teacher to grade the 
Dixon school. He then taught the Los Angeles City Grammar School 
five months; then entered St. Augustine's Academy at Benicia, remaining 
but three months, when he went to French Corral, Nevada county, where 
he taught one year; then returning to Dixon, he taught the school there 
for five months, then taught the Silveyville school one year. He then 
settled in Rio Vista, where he has been continually engaged in teaching 
ever since. Mr. Sickal married Miss Mary A. Brane, July 3, 1S78, who 
was born in Yuba county, June 9, 1858. 

SIDWELL, J. M., was born in Belmont county, Ohio, January 7, 1827. 
When about eleven years of age he moved wnth his parents to Fulton 
coimty, Illinois, where he finished his education and lived until 1850, 
when he went to Green Bay county, Wisconsin, where he followed lum- 
bering and hunting for about two years. In the spring of 1852 emigrated 
to California, making the trip across the plains, with ox teams, in five 
months and sixteen days, arriving at Marys\nlle, September 24, 1852, 
where he stopped one week, then went to Forbestown, on Feather river, 
where he mined until May, 1858, when he came to this county and 
worked on the Twin-house farm for five months. He then opened a 
store on Sleightman's farm, where G. H. Gardiner now lives, just above 
Rio Vista — the first store ever started in that neighboi-hood. He con- 
tinued in the merchandise business there until May, 1854, when he moved 
on to Grand Island, Sacramento county, when he again opened a store 
and remained until the fall of 1857, acting at the same time as Postmas- 
ter of Georgiana post-oftice. He then sold his goods to A. G. Westgate 
and came back to this county and entered into partnership with Col. N. 
H. Davis — who owned, at that time, the land where old Rio Vista was 
built — and built the town called Brazos Delrio, afterwards changed to 
Rio Vista. The post-oftice was then moved to Brazos Delrio, and Mr. 
Sidwell retained the office till 1859, when in that year the name of 
the town was changed to Rio Vista, also post-oftice, and was contractor 
on the levees until 18G2. The town was then flooded out and washed 
away. Mr. Sidwell, then in company with S. R. PeiTy, W. K. Squires, 
and Isaac Dunham, contracted with Mr. J. Bruning for the right to build 
the present town of Rio Vista. Mr. Sidwell built the first hotel in this 
to^vn, which he conducted for some time. He then commenced contract- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 477 

ing again, building levees, flood gates, etc., which he has followed ever 
since. Mr. Sidwell married Miss Annie Elliott, May 14, 1864. She was 
born in Termanah county, Ireland. Names of children ; John E,., Sarah 
E., Mary L. 

SMYTH, HON. MICHAEL, is a native of Ottawa, Canada, where he 
was born October 4, 1832. Here he was educated and worked on a farm 
and at lumbering, until about twenty years old, when he emigrated to 
California, via the Nicaragua route, arriving in San Francisco December 
20, 1853. He at once settled in Crescent City, Del Norte county, and 
thence to Silver Diggings, residing in the latter place about two months, 
when he returned to Crescent City, settling on a farm, on which he re- 
mained till November, 1862, when he went to Idaho, Idaho county. Af- 
ter two years in this place he settled in Ada county, and kept hotel, as 
well as farming and merchandising. He was elected to the Lower House 
of the Legislatui'e of that Territory one term, serving his constituents in a 
way that reflected credit and honor to himself as well as them. He was 
afterwards elected School Superintendent, but his own business demanded 
his attention, and he was forced to decline serving. The winter of 1867 
he spent in Albany, Oregon, and the following spring purchased three 
hundred cattle and came to this State, adding two hundred more to the 
band on the road. Having brought the cattle to Solano county, and sold 
them, he settled near Dixon, but after three months moved on a farm at 
Poland's Landing, where he remained one year, and then bought a ranch 
about nine miles west from Rio Vista, but in 1873 he sold out and perma- 
nently settled in that place. In 1875 Mr. Smyth was appointed Notary 
Public, which office he still continues to hold. Married Miss Maria Killo- 
ran, in November, 1852. She was born in Ireland and came to this 
country when twelve years old. James L., Charles, George W., Robert 
C, and Frank H., are their living children. Lost three ; Edward, Mark, 
and John. 

SQUIRES, WILLIAM K., was bom in West Cornwall, Litchfield, Conn., 
December 18, 1817, where he received his education and lived until about 
21 years of age. He then went to Brooklyn, New York, where he 
worked at the carpenter's trade for some time, and then acted as de- 
tective, constable and sherifi" for about seven years. In January, 1848, he 
married Miss Margaret J. Brandow, who was born in Catskill, N. Y., Jul}' 
13, 1824. In 1852, he left his wife and daughter, Ida I., in New York, 
and emigrated to California, via Panama. He mined on the Cosumnes 
river, in Sacramento county, for about one year, when he went to Sacra- 
mento city and followed fishing for thi-ee years, at the expiration of 
which time he made a trip to New York, and returned with his wife and 



478 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

daughter by water ; spent one year on the Isthmus, as foreman of Pan- 
ama car shops, after which he settled in Sacramento and engaged in the 
fish trade until 1857. At the time of the Frasier river excitement he re- 
paired to this place, and was engaged as a ship carpenter for about one 
year at Fort Langley. He then made a contract with the Hudson Baj' 
Fur Company to furnish them salmon for six months, and with assistance 
of two men, would frequently furnish, at forty dollars per ton, as high 
as twelve tons a day. Mr. Squires, Russion and Thompson were the first 
parties who fished a gill net in Frasier river. After completing his con- 
tract he came to this county, and settled in old Rio Vista, where he built 
a hotel in 1859, it being the first public house erected in the place. He 
remained here until the flood of '62, when he came to new Rio Vista, and 
built the house he now keeps. In 1870, he leased his hotel and moved 
to San Francisco, where he resided for three years, when he returned, and 
has had charge of the house ever since. He was Deputy Sheritf of Yolo 
county, in 1857. In 1863, he was appointed Post-master of Rio Vista, 
which position he held for over six years. 

STOLL, CHARLES M., was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 21, 1849, 
where he received his education. Left his native State in 1866, and emi- 
grated to California, visiting all the prominent places on his trip, and 
landed at San Francisco December 4, 1866, and from here he went to 
Sacramento, where he remained until 1868, when he went to Marysville, 
thence to Red Bluft', and worked at his trade, harness-making. In Jan- 
uary, 1869, went to Sacramento county ; from here to White Pine, where 
he remained until May 1, 1869, when he visited Virginia City ; thence 
back to Sacramento, and from there to Rio Vista, where he opened a har- 
ness shop on the 12th of May, 1869, where he still resides and carries on 
his business. Married, October 8, 1871, Miss Ellen Bowman; she was 
born April 17, 1853, Augusta, Maine. Has reared a family of three chil- 
dren, two of whom are living : Frederick Chas., born May 29, 1872 ; Ida, 
born June 31, 1874 ; Minnie, born January 14, 1878, and died June 22, 
1878. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 479 



ELMIRA. 



BARRETT, J. H., the County Recorder, was born in Morris county, N. Y., 
June 12, 1836. His parents moved to Lake county Illinois, in 1845, 
where the subject of this memoir was educated in the public schools. In 
1853 he emigrated to this State, first settling in Downicville, where he 
was engaged in mining until 1862, when ho was ajjpointed Internal Reve- 
nue Assessor. October, 1867, he came to Elmira, this county, and has 

■ maintained a continued residence in that place. When his township was 
first organized he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has been re-elected 
at the expiration of his office to the present time. Was appointed County 
Recorder May 6, 1878. Married Alice E. Bushnell, daughter of George 
Bushnell, a native of Herkimer county, N. Y. Their only child is Edith 
May. 

MARCH, RUDOLPH BUCKHART, born September 18, 1822, in Howard 
county, Missouri. April 16, 1857, he came to California, crossing the 
plains, and settled in Napa county, and there farmed until the spring of 
1862, and then came to this county, taking up a quarter section, and pur- 
chasing soon after a like quantity, making a total of 320 acres, situated 
about four miles south-east of Elmira. In the fall of 1877, sold out his 
ranch and moved to Elmira towTi, where he has since been engaged in the 
livery business. Mr. March married, May 21, 1844, Miss Rachel Bradley, 
a native of Howard county, Missouri, who was born October 17, 1829, and 
has thirteen children, viz.: Dudley, born December 23, 1844 ; Crecy Ann, 
born August 28, 1845 ; William F., born May 3, 1849; Richmond, born 
May 8, 1851 ; Savannah Elizabeth, born August 15, and died September, 
1853 ; Alfred, born August 23, 1855 ; Mary Jane, horn August 21, 1857 ; 
H. Thomas, born October 18, 1859; Alice, born November 5, 1861; Angeline, 
born July 11, 1863 ; Silas R., born June 10, 1866 ; Walter R., born May 
3, 1868, died February 13, 1869 ; Joseph, born December 28, 1869, died 
January 9, 1870. 

MELBOURN, THOMAS, native of Boston, Linkinshire, England, born 
June 20, 1829, where he was educated. Emigrated to United States, 
at the age of twenty-two years. He first took up his abode in Mt. Mor- 
ris, New York, where he remained for some time. After visiting several 
other places in the State, working most of the time at farming, he finally 
settled in Rochester, N. Y., where he married, October 10, 1855, Miss 



480 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Susan Dudley. She was born in the city of London, Mai'ch, 1837. Mr. 
W. and wife emigrated to this State in 1859, arriving in Suisun, this 
county, on November 30th, of the above year. On December 1st, the 
next day after his arrival, he was employed by Jackson & Combs, in the 
warehouse known now as the Pierce warehouse ; and from here he worked 
at fanning and various occupations until about four years ago, when 
he, in company \vith Mr. Vest, purchased a tract of land known as the 
" Mile Square," about seven miles north-east of Suisun, upon which he 
now resides. Mr. M. is an extensive farmer, and is one of Solano's solid 
men. 

McMURTRY, JOSEPH, bora December 22, 1836, in Calloway county, Mis- 
souri, where he was educated. In the spring of 1853 he emigrated to 
California, crossing the plains with his two uncles, William and Calvin 
McMurtry. The subject of this sketch, having parted company with his 
relations, arrived in Sierra county, August 20, 1853, and worked in the 
mines, and filled the position of a clerk in a general store until 
the fall of 1858, when he paid a visit to his native State, but returned in 
the follomng spring to Sierra county, where he started the express busi- 
ness, between Downieville and Minnesota, in the above county, combining 
with it the duties of mail and paper carrier, which he followed for two 
years. In March, 1862, he came to Solano county, and settled on a ranch 
near Elmira, where he remained until September 1, 1868, when he moved 
to the farm he now occupies and owns, comprising five hundred and forty 
acres of land. Married, April 16, 1861, Miss Anna Barrett, in Centre- 
ville, Suisun, who was born June 15, 1842, in Newark, N. J., and has a 
family of eight living children, and one dead, namely : Joseph B., born 
January 8, 1862, died June 3, 1869 ; James T., born September 5, 1863 ; 
Anna S., born January 29, 1865 ; George C, born August 25, 1867 ; Louie 
L., born August 25, 1869 ; Frank, born May 31, 1871 ; Clara, born No- 
vember 10, 1872; Gracie, born October 14, 1874; Eugene, born Novem- 
ber 5, 1876. 

WELLS, J. C, bom in Tyler county, West Virginia, November 15, 1819. 
At the age of twelve years moved with his parents to Monroe county, 
Ohio, where he received his education. He resided here until 1855, and 
in April of the above year moved to Linn county, Iowa, and followed 
farming until 1864, when he emigrated to California, crossing the plains 
with a horse team, and landed in Vacaville August 15th of the same year, 
and settled on the plains southwest of Elmira, where he resided for two 
years. He then purchased a farm near Dixon, where he resided for 
one year ; he then located on his present farm, one mile west of Elmira, 
comprising 160 acres. April 26, 1873, Mr. Wells and son Bazzleel took a 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 481 

trip to Ohio, and returned in about six weeks, since which time he has 
resided upon his ranch. Married March 4, 1852, Miss Accia Wells. She 
was born October 1, 1833, in Tyler county. West Virginia. Eliza J., 
Charles T. (deceased), Temperance V., Bazzleel, and Florence B. are the 
names of their children. 

Wait not till my hands are at rest 

Ere you till them full of flowers ; 
Wait not for the crowning tube rose 

To make sweet the last sad hours. 

Wait not till my eyes are closed 

For the loving look and phrase. 
But while you gently chide my faults 

The good deeds kindly praise. 

The words you would speak beside my bier 

Fall sweeter far on the living ear ; 
O fill my life with sweetness, 

Ere I should die to-night! 

WIGHT, F. M., was born near Bloomfield, Davis county, Iowa, on March 
2, 1850. In August, 1862, moved near Kirksville, Adair county, Mo., a 
city of several thousand inhabitants, which was nearly destroyed in an 
engagement between the armies, which numbered about five thousand sol- 
diers, during the late Rebellion. During the spring and summer of 1862, 
there were several skirmishes between the Union troops and the bush- 
whackers, in and around this city. At the above place he was educated 
and from which he removed to California in 1870, settling on his present 
estate of 160 acres, in Elmira township, Solano county. Here his father, 
E. R. Wight, died August 26, 1873, since which time the subject of this 
sketch has been manager of the homestead rancho. 



31 



482 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



DENVERTON 



ARNOLD, OSCAR D., was born in Ripley county, Indiana, September 3, 
1837. Wlien about two years old he, with his parents, moved to Stark 
county. 111., where he received his primary education. In 1853 emigrated 
to California, via Nicaragua route, and arrived in San Francisco on May 
22d following. He went direct to Shaw's Flat, Tuolumne county ; stayed 
three months with his father in a store which he had opened there. In 
October of that year his father sold out, and the family came to Solano 
county, settling in the Montezuma hills. In 1859 Oscar entered the 
Ulattis Academy at Vacaville and remained one year, after which he fol- 
lowed threshing and horse-breeding for one year. In the fall of ISGl he 
rented his father's farm till May, 1864, when he went to Nevada, with 
2,000 head of sheep, which he sold, and then returned to his father's farm 
in 1865. Was foreman of the place until the fall of 1869. In August, 
1870, moved on the Harmon rancho, where he lived until 1871, then 
bought his father's rancho of 900 acres of land, which is situated about 
three and one-half miles from Denverton, where he has since lived. Mar- 
ried Miss Emily Wein, July 12, 1870. She was born in Iowa City, Iowa, 
January 7, 1850. Ora A., Eugene L., Alma P., and Oscar D., are the 
names of their children. 

BARKWAY, R. H., was bom in Suffolk county, England, Sept. 24, 1832, 
where he resided twelve years, when he came with his parents to Michi- 
gan, and attended school, and farmed. In 1853 he emigrated to Califor- 
nia, arriving in San Francisco in December of that year, and settled in 
Santa Clara county, taking charge of a ranch for C. J. Collins, for a term 
of four years ; after which he bought one hundred and five acres of land 
in that county, on which he made valuable improvements. Here he lived 
for seven years, when he lost the entire farm, it being in one of the Span- 
ish grants. He then came to Solano county, settling on a farm at Bingham- 
ton, where he resided for five years ; thence to his present place about 
eight miles west of Rio Vista. While Mr. Barkway was in Santa Clara 
county, he attended a University at North Santa Clara four terms. He 
is a licensed preacher, and has been engaged in pastoral work for the last 
twenty-five years. Married Mary E. Weaver, by whom he has Annie, 
Edward K., Fannie F., Hattie M., (deceased) and Abbie E. 

BUCKLEY, TIMOTHY, a native of Cork county, Ireland, was born Dec. 
10, 1832, where he received his education and worked at farming until 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 483 

April, 1854, when he emigrated to the United States, settling on a farm 
about three miles from Boston, Massachusetts ; came to California, via 
Panama, in 1861, arriving in San Francisco on November 6th, of that year, 
where he was employed as a laborer until June, 18G6, when he came to 
this county, settling in Denverton township, on 160 acres of land he pur- 
chased at that time, situated seven miles west of Rio Vista. He married 
Miss Bridget Lane in July, 1864; she was born in Gary county, April 14, 
1829. 

FOTHERINGHAM. JOHN, born in Saline, Fifeshire, Scotland, July 24, 
1822, where he received his education, and learned the trade of pattern- 
maker, in a foundry, which he followed until the spring of 1851. Married 
Miss Elizabeth Drysdale, April 5, 1851. She was bom July 17, 1828, in 
Alva, Stirlingshire, Scotland. He emigrated April 7, 1851, the second 
day after manying, for America, and went to Boston, where he resided 
for eighteen months, when he came to California, his young wife return- 
ing to her native country. He stopped in San Francisco for two years, 
and followed his trade, and then returned to Scotland for his wife, believ- 
ing that California was the place for him to reside the remainder of his 
life. He returned with his wife August 14, 1857, and took up his resi- 
dence in San Francisco, where he remained until July, 1867, when he 
came to this county and purchased 820 acres of land, where he now 
resides, eight miles north-west of Rio Vista, and seven miles south-east of 
Denverton. Has four children living, as follows : James, bom May 25, 
1852 ; Mary, born Dec. 23, 1857 ; Nettie, bom March 12, 1865 ; Elizabeth, 
born Nov. 27, 1870. 

EERBY, CLINTON, was born in Green county, East Tennessee, June 8, 
1826. His parents moved to Jackson county, Missouri, where Mr. Kerby 
was educated. In 1850 he emigrated to California, crossing the plains, 
arriving in Sacramento, September 22d, of that year ; went to Drytown, 
in Amador county, and kept a hotel about three months. He afterwai-ds 
opened a hotel in lone valley, which he conducted until December 5, 
1851, when he returned to the East via Panama. May, 1852, he ao-ain 
crossed the plains to this State, bringing 350 head of cattle, and arrived 
in Sacramento the following September. He kept his cattle in Sacra- 
mento county until the fall of 1855, when he took them to Sonoma 
county, and, after two years, brought them to this county. In the 
fall of 1858 he bought 1,700 acres of land, situated about four miles south 
from Denverton, where he now resides. On April 15, 1873, he married 
Miss Emily A. Johnson, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 20, 
1843. Their children are Clinton and James H., who were bom in 
Sacramento, California : Clinton, August 15, 1877 ; James H., December 
30, 1878. 



484 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

NURSE, S. K. This prominent citizen of Solano county was born in Mon- 
roe county, New York, February 12, 1820, in which place he received his 
early education, residing there until 1839 when he moved to Oakland 
county, Michigan, and for one winter taught school there. In the spring 
of 184'0 he retui-ned to his native county and in the following winter 
again taught school in the district whei-e he had been educated. In the 
following spring he left for Ohio and then commenced the hard work of 
his life : for a portion of the year toiling at a threshing machine, and in 
others var;ying it b}^ school teaching. In 1842, in spring, Mr. Nurse pro- 
ceeded to Rochester, New York, and there commenced the study of med- 
icine and dentistry which he prosecuted till that fall when he took the 
field as a dentist, traveling as such until the autumn of IS-io, when he 
attended a course of medical lectures at Cleveland, Ohio. Once more we 
find Mr. Nurse as a traveling dentist, and in 1847 he entered a telegraph 
oflice at St. Louis, Missouri. In the May following he removed to Spring- 
field, Illinois, being employed in the oflice as a telegraph operator, where 
he continued imtil December 31, 1848, when he sailed by way of Panama 
to California, arriving in San Francisco on May 19, 1849. His first sum- 
mer in the Golden State Dr. Nurse passed in the mines, then in company 
with L. B. Mizner of Benicia, run a stage some two months from that 
place to Sacramento when the steamer " Senator " arrived, which closed 
that business. Late in the fall he went to San Jose, Santa Clara county ; 
in the following spring he departed for the southern mines; and in May, 
18.50, he came to Benicia, Solano county, where he resided but a short 
time, sailing thence for South America, in which country he remained one 
year being engaged in railroad surveying. On January G, 1852, he once 
more anived in Benicia where he lived until the month of May, 1853, 
when he settled in Denverton, then a portion of Montezuma township, 
and built the first house erected there, it being, in size, twelve feet square. 
Since those days times have gi-eatly changed. Mr. Nurse now possesses 
a large warehouse and store on the grounds where he located in 1853. 
He has handed his name to posterity in the well-known " Nurse's Land- 
ing," a point of export of grain ; while in 1855 he was elected on the first 
Board of Supervisors which sat for the county. He has occupied the 
position of Postmaster at Denverton for the last one and twenty years ; 
is a member of the Masonic Order and was a member and Master of 
Benicia Lodge, No. 5, one of the oldest in the State ; whUe he has held 
the office of High Priest to the Solano Chapter, No. 43. 

Mr. Nurse has once, in 1852, paid a visit to his native State of New Yoi-k, 
remaining there, however, but four months. He married December 2, 
18G3, Mrs. D. A. Nurse, who was born in Monroe county, New York, 
June 5, 1830 ; she being a widow of D. A. Nurse — a brother of the sub- 
ject of this sketch — who resided here as early as 1853. The circumstances 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 485 

of his death arc not out of place here. Mr. Nurse and wife were on their 
way east to make a visit. They sailed from San Francisco on the steamer 
" Golden Gate," accompanied by Miss Katie Cogswell, a sister of Mrs. 
Hollister, formerly of Suisun township. The steamer started out well 
laden with human freight, and was considered one of the best on the line. 
When she airived near Manzanillo, on the coast of Mexico, on July 16, 
1862, she burned to the water edge, and nearly all the passengers were lost, 
and among the number was D. A. Nurse and Miss Cogswell. Mrs. Nurse 
was rescued after being three hours in the water. She took the next 
steamer for San Francisco, arriving there without accident. The follow- 
ing year she was married to Dr. S. K. Nurse as above stated. 

PREVOST, L., the subject of this sketch was born in Belgium, September 6, 
1827, and here was educated and raised as a fanner. In 1850 he engaged 
in the grain trade on his own account, successfully following it until 1853, 
when he emigrated to California, locating in Alameda county ; thence in 
1858 to Contra Costa county ; thence to Sonoma county in 1866 ; coming 
to this county, settling in Denverton township and buying four hundred 
and eighty acres of land one-half mile west of where he now lives. The 
place is now owned by Prevost & Girard, and is situated live miles east 
of Denverton and eight miles north-west of Rio Vista. Mr. Prevost has 
followed farming continously since arriving in ^California. 



486 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



MONTEZUMA 



ARNOLD, JAMES W., born in Stark county, 111., May 29, 1844, where he 
resided until May, 1853, when he emigrated to California, with hi.s parents, 
via Nicaragua. He went to Tuolumne county, where he remained but a 
short time, and then came to this county, November, 1853, and attended 
common schools until 1863, when he entered the University of the Pacific, 
at Santa Clara, which he attended for two years. He then enlisted in 
the Mexican War, under General Ochsa, serving under him during one 
summer. He then taught school in Nevada county during the summer of 
1866, and returned to this county and located on a quarter-section in Rio 
Vista township, where he lived one year. He then prospected through 
Los Angeles county, looking for a place to locate. In the fall of 1868 he 
returned to this county, and mamed Miss Mary J. Hargrave, Januaiy 15, 
1869. He then spent about four months in Santa Clara county, and then 
returned to this coiinty, bought a band of sheep and drove them to Merced 
county, where he remained until April, 1877. He then returned to this 
county, and I'emained in the same business, until the spring of 1878, 
when he settled at Bird's Landing, and engaged in the meat business, 
where he now resides. 'Is Justice of the Peace of Montezuma township. 
John D., William 0., James P., and Gloria E. are his living children. 

BIRD, JOHN, was born in Onondaga county, New York, September 8, 
18^7, where he was educated and lived until the fall of 1859, when he 
emigrated to California, via Panama, arriving at San Francisco October 
29. After spending about tw^o months in Santa Rosa, he. went to Marin 
county, where he was employed about three years as foreman on a farm. 
In August, 1862, he went to Sacramento county, where he had charge of 
a dairy and stock farm until 1865, when he came to this county and pur- 
chased about 1000 acres of land and started a shipping point, storage and 
commission business ; a portion of which took in the present site of Bird's 
Landing. He has resided here ever since. During the year 1876, he held 
the office of Justice of the Peace of Montezuma township. Married Miss 
Emily J. Hargrave, May 6, 1869; she was born in Wayne county, Illinois, 
June 5, 1847. Henry, born January 25, 1870; Walter, born November 
11, 1871 ; Albert S., born October 12, 1873; John, Jr., born March 10, 
1878, are their living children. 

BOND, J. C, born in Suffolk county, New York, October 23, 1846, where 
he received his education and learned the ship-carpenter's trade, which 
occupation he followed until about twenty years of age, when he emi- 
grated to California ; crossing the plains by rail and arriving at San 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 487 

Francisco in October. He farmed in Alameda county for one year and in 
Sacramento county for about sixteen months, and in the Spring of 1872, 
settled in Montezuma township, this county, where he has since lived, 
his principal business being farming. He has been appointed once and 
elected twice to the office of Constable. In 1877, he was appointed 
Deputy Sheriff, by J. E. Williston, which office he has held ever since. Mr. 
Bond married Miss Julia E. Baldwin, November 25, 1866, daughter of 
Edward Baldwin, of Suffolk county, New York. 

DONELL, WILLIAM, was born in Ireland, July 2, 1834, where he re- 
ceived his education and lived until about eighteen years old, when he 
emigrated to Pennsylvania, where he worked on a farm and in Linsey's 
Rolling Mills for about eighteen months, when he went to Iowa, where 
he followed farming for about six years. April 28, 1862, he started, in 
company with eight other men, for Carson City, Nevada, but on their 
way they changed their minds and went to Idaho, arrived at Elk City, 
Idaho, in July. After mining there for about three months, ha went to 
Portland, Oregon ; from there he went to Port Gamble, Washington Terri- 
tory, where he remained until April, 1863, when he came to California 
and worked in Yuba county on a farm for a short time, and then came to 
this county in May, 1863. He worked at different places in Suisun valley 
and Montezuma hills until 1874, when he settled on the farm where he 
now lives, consisting of 320 acres, and located about two miles north-west 
from Bird's Landing. Mr. Donell married, September 19, 1872, Miss 
Addie E. Galbrieth, daughter of James Galbrieth. William H., Addie H., 
Ettie S. and Ida M., are their children. 

HOOPER, THOMAS T., born in Salem, Mass., Dec. 26, 1811, where he 
was educated, and learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at the same 
until 1849, when he emigrated to this State, leaving Boston, Nov. 30, 
1849, sailing in the ship "Nester;" rounding Cape Horn, arrived in San 
Francisco Jime 6, 1850 ; coming direct to Benicia, working at his trade 
until October of that year, when he went to Fort Van Cover, Oregon, 
where he was employed by the Government for six months. He went to 
San Francisco ; worked until August, '51 ; then went East, and returned 
to Benicia, May, '52 ; then kept liotel in Benicia one year ; then went to 
San Francisco, as clerk in Post-office, one year ; returning to Benicia in 
the fall of 1854, when he was appointed Postmaster, and held said office 
eight years, when he came to his present farm, consisting of 1,000 acres, 
located in this township, and situated about three-fourths of a mile north- 
west from Bird's Landing, there being only a few settlers in the township 
at that time. Married Lavina D. Proctor, July 20, 1837. She died July 
28, 1863. Thomas P., and George— died August 27, 1848— are the child- 
ren by this marriage. He again married, Augusta M. Foster, December 
27, 1868. 



488 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

HOSKING, WILLIAM, a native of England, born in 1835, an-ived in Cali- 
fornia in 1858 ; mined in Sierra county till 1862 ; and from here -went to 
Virginia City, Nevada, and engaged in mining and stock dealing till 1870, 
when he returned to California ; bought the wharf, store and hotel at 
Collinsville, where he is at present engaged in business. Married in Vir- 
ginia City in 1868, Miss Elizabeth Gordon, Rev. Mr. Wicks, of the M. E. 
Church, officiating. Have one daughter — Mary Jane Elizabeth — born 
April 7, 1871. 

MEINS, ROBERT, was born in Delaware county, New York, January 20, 
1837, where he was educated and raised a farmer. He immigrated to 
California, leaving January 20, 1860, coming via Panama, arriving in San 
Francisco, February 19th, of that year. He only remained in the city a 
few days when he went to Sacramento ; then he came to this county, 
and we date his residence hei-e in April, 1860. He was first employed on 
a ranch as foreman, which position he retained two years, after which he 
was employed by Dr. S. K. Nurse in a general store at Denverton, 
remaining three years. Married Miss Elizabeth A. Spencer, November 
20, 1865, who was born in Lincoln county, Ohio, May 4, 1842. She died 
August 20, 1876. Mr. R. Meins came to his present farm, containing 136 
acres, after marriage, said farm being located on Montezuma .slough, two 
miles north-west of Bird's Landing. He has ei-ected a large, commodious 
warehouse, capable of holding 1,200 tons of hay and the same amount of 
grain. Carrie J., bom June 17, 1867 ; Ida, born December 17, 1872, are 
the names and births of his children. 

PAGE, W., was born in England, May 7, 1830. At the age of fifteen he 
came to the United States, and lived in Oneida count}'. New York, as a 
dairyman until March 7, 1859, when he started for California, crossing the 
plains with an ox team, and followed the business of farming in this 
county up to March 15, 1877, when he engaged in business in Collins\'ille 
and follows it up to the present time. He married Mrs. Alice Helstrup, 
(widow of E. Helstrup) December 25, 1876. She was bom in Boston, 
August 24, 1851. She having two children by her first husband, one 
daughter, named Edith, bora August 21, 1871, and one .son, named Ches- 
ter S., born June 5, 1873 ; also two children by the second maiTiage, 
Mary Page, born July 23, 1877, and W. Page, bom May 1, 1879. 

UPHAM, E. J., was born in Kennebec, Maine, November 26, 1836, where he 
was educated and resided till 1854, when he emigi-ated to California by 
way of the Nicaragua route, arriving in San Francisco, October 1st of 
that year. Went direct to what is now Del Norte county, where he 
engaged in fanning, as well as lumbering, until 1861, when he came to 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 489 

Solano county, settling on the ranch he now owns, consisting of 160 
acres, and has added certain amounts from time to time until he now 
owns 6,000 aci-es. He has been a large stock raiser, but for the past 
three years has turned his attention to grain raising. 

WINTER, H. E., was born in Stark county, Ohio, on January 27, 1832. 
Here he received his education. When seventeen years old he emigrated 
to Elkheart covinty, Indiana, where he remained one winter, thence to St. 
Joseph county. Here he apprenticed himself to a shoemaker for three 
years, then went to Goshen, county seat of Elkheart county, Indiana, 
following his trade. Four years thereafter he located in Middleburg, 
clerking in a store for two years, and returned to Goshen, following the 
same occupation in a hotel. City Hall, etc., until April 18, 1861, when he 
started overland with horse teams for this State, arriving in Sacramento 
in August following. After working in that city one month he went to 
Bloomtield, Sonoma county, woi'king at his trade six months ; thence to 
Suisun, this county. Two months thereafter he naade a short trip to 
Sacramento and San Francisco, and returned to Suisun, opening a boot 
and shoe shop in the fall of 1862. In March, 1871, moved to San Fi-an- 
cisco, remaining five years, then came to Bird's Landing, where he now 
resides. 



490 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



TREMONT. 



AGEE, CHRISTOPHER C, is a native of Buckingliam county, Virginia, 
where he was born, February 26, 182G. When about six years old he re- 
moved with his parents to Charleston, and there received his education. In 
1839, his parents again removing, he accompanied them to Lewis county, 
Mo., where he was employed as a clerk and bookkeeper for seven years, 
and then started in business on his own account, which he continued for 
four years. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, arriving at Sacra- 
mento on September 4th of that year, when, shortly after, he and his 
brother (W. W. Agee) built the first store ever opened in Nevada City, 
Cal. He also worked at the mines with very good success. In 1852 he 
returned to Missouri, and purchased and improved a farm, on which he 
resided for five years, and then, selling out, he proceeded to Iowa Point, 
Kansas, on the Missouri river, and again engaged in trade, which he car- 
I'ied on for about four years, when he sold out, still holding his private 
property, and went with an ox-team to Pike's Peak, but not meeting with 
encouragement, at the end of two months he returned. Mr. Agee then 
traded his private property at Iowa Point for land in Carroll county. Mo., 
and also bought another farm in north-eastern Missouri, where he resided 
for two years ; then he located in Illinois, where he speculated for a 
couple of years, when he sold his Missouri possessions, and once more 
started for California, with mule and ox-teams, accompanied by his 
brother-in-law, J. A: Ellis ; arrived in Sacramento September 4, 1865. 
On arrival he rented a tract of land from Judge Curry, which he farmed 
for ten years, residing on the ranch for the first three years, the remainder 
being passed in Dixon. He also farmed four hundred acres of his own 
land in Yolo county, and, in November, 1877, he moved on to the place 
where he now lives, situated four miles north-east of Dixon. Mr. Agee 
married March 4, 1852, Miss Elizabeth J. Ellis, who was born in Oldham 
county, Kentucky, December IS, 1832, and has had Mary E. ; William E. ; 
Susan ; and Walter L. ; all of whom are deceased ; and living, Charles F. 
and Lillie C. 

CLOUTMAN, JOSEPH F.,born in NeAv Hampshire, May 3, 1825, and when 
seven years old moved with his parents to Kittery, Maine, where he re- 
ceived his education. In 1841 or '42 he proceeded to Boston, Mass., and 
there was employed in a grocery store for one year, when he commenced 
to learn the trade of a house and sign painter. In 1849 he came to Cali- 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 491 

fornia, by way of Cape Horn, arriving at San Francisco September 14, 
of tliat year. On ari-ival he settled at Sacramento, and followed his trade 
until the following year, when he removed to the mines, there remaining 
for six months ; he returned to Sacramento, and once more established 
himself as a painter, which he continued till 1858. In this year Mr- 
Oloutman settled in Yolo county, CaL, farming and keeping a dairy there 
for three years, at which time he moved into Solano county, and located 
on the farm on which he now resides. On September 3, 1862, he was 
elected a Justice of the Peace for Tremont township, which office he held 
for eight years. On September 6, 1871, was elected Supervisor of Dis- . 
trict No. 3, and held that office for three years, being for two years Chair- 
man of the Board. Was finally elected Constable of Tremont township 
on September 5, 1877, an office which he continues to hold. While a 
resident of Sacramento Mr. C. was twice burned out and twice flooded 
out. He married in 1846 Miss Mary J. Whitehouse, a native of New 
Hampshire, where she was born October 7, 1827, by whom he has Addie 
C. ; Miriam, (dead) ; George F. ; Charles H. ; Willie F. ' 

FOSTER, GEO. W., was born in Lafayette, Missouri, November 11, 1829, 
where he received his education and farmed, until the spring of 18.53, 
when he started across the plains for California, arriving at Lake Wash- 
ington, October 19, of tlie same year, and then ran a ferry boat for two 
years. At this time he made a return voyage, via Panama, to his home, 
returning at the end of two months to the Golden State, accompanied by 
his mother and four sisters, and settled on the place where he now re- 
sides, at Tremont Station. Mr. Foster owns and farms three hundred and 
twenty acres of land ; he is also proprietor of the warehouses, and con- 
ducts the .shipping of all grain from that point to San Francisco and other 
ports. He married October 17, 1860, Miss Gincey L. Wall, who was born 
July 1, 1843, in his native county, and has Mary J., (deceased); William 
W. ; Arthur T. ; Everett E. ; Elnore P. ; Ethel. 

GUTHRIE, B. J., born in Richmond, Virginia, November 28, 1828, and when 
three years old removed with his parents to Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, 
where he received his primary education ; when thirteen, he again accom- 
panied his parents to Illinois, and there finished his schooling. When 
here, his parents died. Mr. Guthrie then went to St. Louis, and com- 
menced life as a cabin-boy, on board a river .steamer ; after which he be- 
came a steward, and finally a pilot, on the Mississippi river. In April, 
1852, he proceeded across the plains, to California, and, arriving at Dia- 
mond Springs in July, he opened a hotel, which he managed until June, 
of the following year, when he went to Prairie City and mined until Jan- 
uary 1, 1864, when he settled on a farm about three miles south-west of 



492 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Davisville, where he now resides. He owns nine hundred and fifty-five 
acres in Solano county, and thirty-two in Yolo county. Mr. G. married, 
December 11, 1856, Miss Bettie A. Judd, who was born in Trumble county, 
Ohio, February 26, 1835. 

HYDE, SEPTA FILMORE, was born in Vermont, June 7, 1819. When 
fourteen years of age he removed to Clinton county, N. Y., where he 
finished his education ; here he settled, and, in company with his brother, 
S. E. Hyde, cai-ried on a large machine, blacksmith, and carriage shop. 
In 1849 he transferred his business to De Kalb county, Illinois, where he 
also engaged in farming, until his starting for California, in April, 1852, 
accompanied by his vdfe, nee Miss Caroline Moore, whom he had married 
on February 9, 1843. Embarking at St. Louis for St. Jo., while on board 
the steamer, Mrs. Hyde died from the effects of an attack of cholera, and 
after her burial, her afflicted husband prosecuted his lonely journey across 
the plains, with his two young children — Phcebe R., and Asa F., the eldest of 
them not yet being four years. On arriving in California he proceeded 
to Placerville and worked in the mines till Januaiy, 1853 ; he then went 
to Diamond Springs, where he labored at lumbering up to November, 
1856. In 1855, moved to Amador county, and was engaged in lumbei-ing, 
when he settled on the place where he now lives, ten miles north-east of 
Dixon, situated in Tremont township, on the county line. Mr. Hyde 
was elected a Justice of the Peace for Tremont township on October 18, 
1871 ; an office which he still continues to fill ; has been a Notary Public 
for the district, and was mainly instrumental in the establishment of the 
first school district in Tremont. He married, secontlly, July 7, 1855, Mi.ss 
C. J. Saunders, who was born in Lewiston, Niagara comity, N. Y., May 
25, 1829, by whom he has Lena, Fred W., Leland S., Carrie M., Alvert. 
The children by his first wife are the above-named PhcBbe R. and Asa F. 
Hyde. 

HYLAND, WILLIAM, was born in Ireland, in the year 1828, and emi- 
grated to Maryland, where he resided until 1856, when he came to Cali- 
fornia, via Panama, an-iving at San Francisco February 14th, of that 
year. He engaged in mining at Webber Creek until August, when they 
removed to Tremont township, and located there till May, 1857, when he 
returned to the mines, sojoiu-neying there up to the month of February, of 
the following year, and then re-located in the Suisun valley, on one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, situated about four and a half miles north 
east of Dixon City. Mr. Hyland married, September 26, 1852, Miss Ann 
McCann, a native of Ireland, who died April 21, 1877, from the effects of 
an accident caused by a horse, when aiding hor husband in some farm 
work, Their family consi.sts of Maiy A., Anna Eliza, Maria J., Emma, 
(deceased) William H., Alice G., Arthur, Allen A., Florence E., Nettie F. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 493 

SNEAD, S. M., is a native of Campbell county, Virginia, where he was 
born September 10, 1823. When seventeen years of age he joined the 
Mexican expedition under General Scott, where he served for three years, 
returning to Virginia at its close, and commenced to learn a trade. In 
184.3 emigrated to California, and engaged in mining until 1852, when he 
began draying in Saci-amento in the following year. He next went to 
the Eastern States, returning in 1854, bringing wath him a drove of 
horses, and settled on a ranch on Cache creek slough, where he engaged 
in stock raising until 1861. This year he moved to the farm on which 
his family have resided since his death, on Januarj^ 25, 1879. Mr. Snead, 
May 1, 1858, man-ied Miss Maiy McGuire, who was born in New Orleans, 
July 12, 1840. Their children are : John R., Samuel R, Stephen L., 
Katie A., Minnie L., Winneford F., and Lucinda M. 



494 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 



SILVEYVILLE. 



BROWN, 0. P., received his early education in Howard county, Missouri, 
where he was born, June 11, 1820. He studied in 1838-40, and prac- 
ticed it in tliat State until 1845, when he moved to Iowa, and located in 
Fremont comity, where he again prosecuted his legal business until 1853, 
when he emigrated to San Joaquin county, California, and made farming 
his principal occupation. In 1874 he commenced a law practice in Dixon, 
which he continued for about a year, and in 1875 was elected a Justice 
of the Peace for Silveyville township, an office which he still holds. Mr. 
Brown married, in 1843, Miss Francess Frigitt, who was born in Clay 
county, Missouri, December 27, 1825, by whom he has Lizzie T., James J., 
(deceased), Hiram P., (deceased), Bennett C.,Ann B., Prentiss, and Francis C. 

COLEMAN, NAPOLEON B. S., born in Woodford county, Kentucky, Janu- 
ary 25, 1831. In September, 1848, he graduated at the Commercial Col- 
lege at Louisville, Kentucky, and in the Spring of the following year 
went to Jackson county, Missouri, and entered into partnership with John 
F. McCauley in the commission business. In May, 1853, this firm, in 
company with two more gentlemen, purchased about 2,000 head of cattle, 
and crossed the plains to California, arriving at Sacramento September 
13th of that year. In the following year the quarternal partnership was 
dissolved, when the subject of this sketch proceeded to Volcano, Jackson 
county, California, and opened a mercantile and mining business, being 
joined in these operations with his brother, J. W. Coleman, now a promi. 
nent stock-broker of San Francisco. In 1859 Mr. N, B. S. Coleman 
aiTived in Silveyville township, in Solano county, and settled on a farm 
five miles southeast of the present site of Dixon City, but at the time 
there was only one house in the corporation limits, which was o^vned by 
Thomas Dickson. Mr. C. prosecuted farming till 1872, when he moved 
into Dixon, where he has since resided, being engaged in real estate oper- 
ations, farming and stock-raising. In 1869 he was elected County As- 
sessor, and served for a term of two years. He owns about 1,000 acres 
of land. On Mai-ch 13, 1855, Mr. C. married Miss Martha J. Kelley, who 
was born July 5, 1836, by whom he has eight children, viz., Eugene F., 
Alvin L., John W., Fannie S., Napoleon B. S., Mattie L., Lulu M. and 
Cimrie E. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 496 

GOTTEN, JAMES W., born in Polk county, Illinois, December 28, 1832. 
In that State he i-eceived his early education, which he finished in Mills 
county, Iowa. In 1851 he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he re- 
mained one year, and then proceeded to St. Louis, and there learned the 
trade of a sawyer. October 22, 1855, Mr. Gotten left for California, by 
way of Panama, landing in San Francisco December 11th of that year. On 
his arrival he proceeded to Amador county, where he passed that Winter, 
and in the following Spring started for the mines in Placer county, where 
he stayed until 1857, and then repaired to the Suisun valley, there farm- 
ing for one year, on a location near Dixon; on the expiration of which 
he transferred his labors to San Jose, where he engaged in the lumber 
trade. In the Fall of the year 1859 Mr. C. returned to Illinois, and there 
embarked in the like business, which he gave up at the end of two years 
and went back to his former home in Iowa. In 1864 he started for Idaho 
Territory, in company with George Russell, and went into the hotel busi- 
ness on the Weiser River. In the following year he again began fanning, 
which he continued till 1868, when he returned to Dixon and re-engaged 
in agricultural pursuits, which he gave up in 1872, and opened agencies 
for real estate and insurance. Was appointed a Notary Public, October 
31, 1874, and on March 6, 1878, was commissioned a Justice of the Peace 
for Silveyville township — positions which he still continues to hold. Mr. 
Gotten married, November 29, 1873, Miss Priscilla J. Evans, who was 
born in Amador county, California, April 24, 1857, and has an only child, 
Lucy May, born January 2, 1875. 

CURREY, ROBERT J., is a native of Benioia, Solano county, California, 
having been born there December 30, 1851, where he remained until the 
Spring of 1860, when he went to New York and stayed one year. In 
1864 he was sent to Santa Clara College for two years, and from there to 
a seminary in Oakland, Alameda county, where he studied for three 
years. In the Fall of 1870 he entered Yale College, New Haven, Con- 
necticut, and graduated in 1873; after which he returned to the Pacific 
Coast, and in the following Spring was appointed Aid on the United 
States Coast Survey, which position he resigned in 1875, and located on 
a farm four miles north of Dixon, where he now resides. He is the 
owner of 640 acres. 

DASHIELL, W. A., was born in Somerset county, Maryland, on May 6, 
1825. In the years 1835-40 he attended college in New Jersey. In the 
following year he entered the Military Academy at West Point, from 
which he graduated in June, 1845. He next traveled through the West- 
ern States until the spring of 1849, when he came to California and 
engaged in stock raising in Sacramento until 1853, when he left the 



496 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

Pacific coast for Missouri, and there purchased sheep and cattle, with 
which he returned to this State, arriving in Los Angeles in December, 
1853 ; and from thence proceeded to Sacramento, there following his 
avocation until 1856, and then moved into Solano county. From 1859 
to 1862 he was traveling, after which he once more settled in this county ; 
was agent for the California Pacific Railroad Company for three years 
when it first came through Dixon, since then he has been dealing in 
stock ; is an insui'ance and real estate agent ; held the oflice of Assessor 
for the Third District, to which he was elected September 4, 1867. Mr. 
Dashiell married, December 25, 1854, Miss Hester McKinley, who was 
born in Illinois, April 19, 1834, by whom he has : Matilda, Katie, Char- 
lotte, (dead) Edward E., Agnes, George B., Fred., Annie, Benjamin, Hester, 
Robert, and Jessie. 

DICKSON, THOMAS, was born in Pennsylvania on June 4, 1800. In 
1804 he moved with his parents to Allegany county. New York, and 
remained there for about fifteen years, when they moved to Indiana. In 
1832 sem'ed as a soldier in the Black Hawk war ; in 1835 emigrated to 
Iowa, and in 1853 came to Diamond Springs, California, prosecuting 
mining for one year. In the following year he forsook the gold region 
and removed to Solano county and rented a piece of land one mile in a 
north-easterly direction from where the city of Dixon now stands. Mr. 
Dickson built the first house vsdthin the corporation limits of that city in 
the year 1855, which he has since enlarged. He has engaged in farming 
ever since he settled in the county. Mr. D. married, in 1833, Miss J. P. 
Hood, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, who was born December 13, 
1813, by whom he has : Elizabeth F., born February 1, 1834 ; William 
B., born April 16, 1836 ; Martin A., born January 2, 1840 ; Henry A., 
bom March 31, 1843 ; Nathan, bom August 12, 1846 ; James, bom Feb- 
ruary 13, 1849, (.since dead); Eva B., born July 14, 1853, and James, 
born December 4, 1855, (since deceased). 

DINSMORE, REV. J. M., was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, 
February 19, 1851. In 1861 he removed to Lawrence county, where he 
received part of his education, which he completed in Ohio. In 1875 he 
attended the Western Theological Seminary in Penn.sylvania, and in the 
following year proceeded to San Francisco, where he entered the Theo- 
logical Seminary of that city and graduated April 26, 1878, after which 
he left for Dixon, Solano county, and took charge of the Presbyterian 
church there, he being now the resident pastor. 

DUDLEY, J. M., was bom in Oswego county, New York, September 7, 
1830. In 1836 he moved with his parents to Indiana, where he received 
his education, and after taught school during the winters of 1849-50-51. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 497 

In 1852 he crossed the plains to California, and, on aii'ival at a place 
where Dayton in Nevada State now stand, Mr. D. was stricken down 
with fever and confined to his bed for several months. As soon as able, 
after his recovery, he went to the mines. On account of sickness he was 
delayed in Cai-son valley during the winter of 1852-53. After his recov- 
ery he mined in Gold Canon. As soon as the snow had sufficiently 
melted he continued his journey and settled on the Sacramento river, 
where he farmed for three years. In 1856 he removed from thence to 
Dixon, this county, near where he now resides. On tii-st arriving in 
this section he taught school at Silveyville for four terms, since when he 
has given his undivided attention to farming. Mr. Dudley sei-ved two 
terms as Legislator in 1802-63, and in 1873 was defeated for the Senate 
by H. E. McCune. He was a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention 
which was convened at Sacramento in September, 1878. Mr. D. is a 
Republican in politics. He married November 24, 1857, Miss Elizabeth 
F. Dickson, born in Madison county, Illinois, February 1, 1834, by whom 
he has : Lucy J., Earl D., Frederick M., George D., and Elizabeth. 

ELLIS, JAMES ADDISON, (deceased), was born May 1, 1842, in Lewis 
coimty, Missouri. At the commencement of the late war he enlisted as a 
private in Col. Glover's regiment of Union troops, and was engaged in 
north-west Missouri in the darkest days of that section. Mr. Ellis was 
wounded in a skirmish in Marion county and for many months lingered 
between life and death, but finally recovered. He was a member of the 
Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and also a Granger, in which he 
occupied a prominent position. In 1864 he married Miss Henrietta 
Johnson, and came to California in the following year, since which time, 
up till his death, he was a citizen of Solano county, residing near Dixon 
where he engaged in farming. He left a farmily of two girls, Carrie E. 
and Emma M., who now reside with their mother on the farm in Silvey- 
ville township. 

FRAHM, GEORGE, is a native of Schleswig Holstein, Germany, having 
been born there on June 27, 1851. In 1867 he emigrated to California, 
aiTiving in San Francisco in August of that year, and proceeded without 
delay to the San Joaquin valley, where, in company with his brother, he, 
being one of the first agricultural settlers, commenced farming operations, 
which he continued until 1871. Left that section of the country and 
proceeded to Sacramento, where he started, as an errand boy, in a whole- 
sale candy factory, and by good conduct and application, worked his way 
to the positions of salesman, book-keeper, and manager, respectively. In 
1875 he removed to Dixon, Solano county, and jointly, with his brother, 
pxirchased the City Hotel; he bought out his brother on July 1, 1877, 
32 



498 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COtTs'TT. 

since when he has conducted the establishment alone. In 1876 Mr. 
Frahm was instrumental in the building of the German Lutheran Church, 
in Dixon, and became President of its Building Committee. In 1878 he 
was elected foreman of the Fire Company ; and is one of the City Trust- 
ees, as also City Treasurer. Mi-. Frahm married August 17, 1877, Miss 
Amelia Hall, a native of Solano county, who was bom March 6, 18-59. 

HALL, RICHARD, was bom in Ireland, March 11, 1819. When four years 
old he accompanied his mother to Canada, his father being dead. He 
there leamed the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed till seventeen 
years of age, when he removed to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and again 
prosecuted his calling till 1849, when he transferred the scenes of his 
labors to Illinois ; farming there till the spring of 1853, in which year he 
started across the plains for California with an ox team, arri^-ing in Sac- 
ramento September 10, of that year, and worked at his trade until Octo- 
ber 0, 1854. At this time he took passage for the Eastem States, on 
board the steamer " Yankee Blade," from Sacramento. When seventy 
miles from Santa Barbara, she struck a rock and became a total wreck, 
fortunately, with no loss of life, but much discomfort. This catastrophe 
was the cause of Mr. Hall once more turning his face towards the port 
which he had just left, and there re-purchased his former place of busi- 
ness. In the fall of 1854 he settled on the Wolfskill and Barker gi-ant_ 
where he farmed till 1857, when he located on the tract of land on which 
he now resides, two miles north of Dixon. On first arrival here Mr. 
Hall carried on a hotel, in connection with his farm ; the former, however, 
he gave up, in 1869. As far back as 1861-2, he was the proprietor of 
the Union Hotel, in Sacramento. He married, first, on December 1, 1839, 
Miss Frances N. Ha^Tie, who died November 6, 1868, lea-\dng him ten 
children. Secondly, he espoused Mrs. Amelia Audnup, September 29, 
1871, who was bom in Preble county, Ohio, August 21, 1822. 

MACE, DARIUS, bom in Vermillion countj-, Indiana, Februaiy 24, 1829, 
In 1854, he left his native State and emigrated to CaUfomia, arriving at 
Sacramento in February, 1854. He first kept a ferry for his brother, A. 
H. Mack, at Sutter\'ille for one year, after which he opened a hotel at the 
same place, and then went to Folsom where, in company with his brother, 
H. B. Mack, he managed a small store and mined during three years. In 
1857, he settled near Dixon, where he has lived ever since. He married. 
May 21, 1860, Miss Cynthia J. Cotten, who was born Febrnary 10, 1847. 
by whom he has: James H., born May 4, 1861 ; Darius W., bom Decem- 
ber 26, 1862, deceased 1863 ; Hozra B., bom February 6, 1866 ; Sophonia 
J., bom November 5, 1867, deceased 1878 ; Lottie L., born December 11, 
1872. 



THE HISTOBT OF SOLANO COUNTY. 499 

MAYES, JOHN S., was bom in Knox county, Indiana, Mai-ch 29, 1829, 
and went to Missouri with his parents when five vears old. In April, 
1850, he started for California, am\-ing at Plaeerville August 7, of that 
year, and woi'ked in the mines until 1S53, when he commenced teaming, 
an occupation he followed up to 185G, where he settled on his faim, situ- 
ated in the suburbs of Dixon, where he now resides. He mai'ried, April 
23. 1S6S, iliss Francis A. Hood, who was bom in Iowa, June 20, 1850. 

MERRYFIELD, JUSTICE C, is a native of Wyoming county. New 
York, ha^■ing been bom there on February 7, 1818. In 1836, he went to 
Ogle county. Illinois, where he resided until 1850, and in that year came 
to California across the plains with horse team : arrived in Placei-ville in 
July and worked in the mines about one year when he moved to a farm 
in Saciumento county, residing there until January 1, 1857, when he 
located on another farm two miles north of Silveyville, Solano coimty, 
where he lived until 1864. when he settled in Silvei>"A*ille, and has since 
resided there. September 4, 1861, was elected a Justice of the Peace for 
Vaca\-ille township and held the office for that and after for Silveyville 
township imtil he resigned, December 29, 1874. In 1876, was elected 
President of the Bank of Dixon, a position he now holds ; is a Director 
and one of the Auditing Committee of the Grangers Bank of San Fran- 
cisco, to which he was elected in 1874. In 1873, was elected one of the 
Executive Committee of the State Grange and was re-elected three times, 
he is now sei-ving liis fourth term as Master of Dixon Grand Lodge. Is 
Chairman of tlie Executive Committee of the California College at Yaca- 
\-ille. Mr. Merryfield has been thrice married. He married, third, Mrs. 
Lizzie Crathers, August 10, 1876, who was bom in Oakland county> 
Michigan, January 9, 1843. 

McKINLEY, GEO. C, bom in Madison county, Illinois, July 2, 1832. In 
1840. he moved with his parents to Missouri and then commenced his 
studies, which he finished in Gonzales county, Texas, whither he went in 
1845. In 1852 he emigrated to Los Angeles county, California, along 
with his father and mother, but, as there was much trouble in that district 
in respect to land titles, at the end of seven months they left for Sac- 
ramento ; when here he was employed in the nursery and vegetable gai'den 
of Paul Hamilton, where he continued for thi-ee j-ears. In 1855, Mr. 
McKinley made another trip to the southern counties of the State in 
quest of land, but finding the former stumbling blocks still prevailing he 
remained but a short time and then returned to Sacramento, from whence 
he made for LjTichburg, near Oro\T.IIe, and for two months pursued min- 
ing and finally returned to Sacramento. On October 6, 1856, he and his 
parents settled on the knoll south of Dixon, where the cemeteiy is now 



500 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

located, and there pitched their tents, which was soon followed by the 
construction o{ a dwelling house. Mr. McKinley's father was an un- 
fortunate passenger on board the steamer " Washoe " when she blew up 
near Rio Vista, on September 4, 1864, when he received injuries which 
resulted in his death at Sacramento, September 21, 18(34. His mother 
.still resides with him. In September, 1871, Mr. McK. was elected County 
Recorder, an office which he held for two years. He mai-ried, December 
17, 1860, Miss Emeline Benton, who was bom in Jo. Daviess county, Illi- 
nois, September 28, 1842, by whom he has : William B., Addison B., 
Charlotte, deceased, George, Robert L., Sidney S., Paulina, Lucino D. 

Mcpherson, Alexander, is a native of Nova Scotla, where he was 
bom in July, 1836. In 1855 he emigrated to California, landing in San 
Francisco early in October of that year and proceeded to Sierra county 
and commenced mining, a pursuit which he labored at until 1861, when he 
purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres from Charles Pearson, 
in Maine Prairie township, Solano county, which he managed until 1873 
and then sold out. He, thereupon, acquired the adjoining farm on which 
he resided until 1878, when his house was destroyed by fire, compelling 
him to take up his i-esidence in Dixon, where he now resides. He married 
Miss Sarah Newell, in September, 1861. 

NYE, ALFRED B., was born at Stockton, San Joaquin county, Cal., Octo- 
ber 25, 1854, but re-sided principally in Tuolumne county, until six years 
of age, when he was taken by his parents to Pljanouth county, Mass., 
where he remained till 1871. In this year he returned to California, and 
commenced acquiring the printer's trade in the office of the "Vallejo 
Clironicle;" subsequently became the local editor for that publication, and 
in April, 1877, purchased the " Dixon Tribune " newspaper, of which he 
is the present editor and publisher. 

REDDICE, HARDIN, was bom in Stokes county, North Carolina, June 
13, 1810. Here he was educated. In 1835 moved to Monitau county, 
Missouri, where he engaged in farming until 1849, when he came the 
" overland route " to California, arriving in Sacramento on August 18th 
of that year. He removed to Yuba county, this State, soon after, where 
he prosecuted mining for ten days; when he was prostrated with sickness 
for eleven months, enduring all the suffijrings incident to a camping life. 
On his recovery, he returned to Missouri, via Panama, engaging in farm- 
• ing for two years, and returned to Sacramento, Cal., in September, 1853, 
and soon after settled on the farm where he now resides. His early resi- 
dence here was replete with hardships, he having to live under a tent for 
the fii-st month. Married Susan Dearing, October 29, 1835 ; she was bom 
in Stokes county, N. C, February 3, 1818. Their children are John W., 
Sarah A., and Catheiine. 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 501 

ROHWER, HANS, was born in Holstein, Germany, February 25, 1832. 
In the spring of 1852 he emigrated to Iowa, and remained there till 1854. 
In this year he crossed the plains to California, arriving at Placerville 
October 25th, and engaged in mining until September, 1856, when he set- 
tled on the farm where he now resides, about one mile south-east of Dixon. 

SILVEY, ELIJAH S., received his early education in St. Charles county, 
Missouri, where he was born, March 26, 1819. In 1849 he came to Cali- 
fornia, accompanied by his wife, whom he married on March 2, 1843, and 
his two children, arriving at Benicia in October, of the same year, where 
they resided until 1851. In this year they returned to Missouri, and in 
the next (1852) once more crossed the plains to California, bringing one 
hundred milch cows with them, and settled on the plains, where Silvey- 
ville now stands. The Silveys were the first settlers in this section of the 
county, and gave their name to one of the townships of Solano county. 
Mr. S. kept a hotel and saloon at the time of arrival, but a few years 
thereafter people commenced to locate, and a considerable town sprung 
up, which was, hoAvever, removed to Dixon on the completion of the rail- 
road in that quarter, Mr. Silvey died November 11, 1869. His widow 
is the oldest settler at Silveyville. Their children are : Elmira J., born 
December 19, 1846 ; Lucy, born April 30, 1848 ; George R., born Novem- 
ber 4, 1850 ; Edward A., born June 28, 1853 ; Edmund, born October 10, 
1856 ; James, born May 24, 1858 ; Florabelle, born November 4, 1861 ; 
Lee E., bom July 11,1867. 

SIMMONS, Jr., REV. J. C, is a native of the State of Georgia, having been 
born in Butts county. May 26, 1827, and graduated at Emory College, 
Oxford, Georgia, in 1848, after which he ministered in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South, in that State. In 1852 he was sent to Califor- 
nia as a missionary, reaching San Francisco February 26th of that year. 
He was sent to Grass Valley, Nevada county, Cal., filling that appoint- 
ment for two years. In 1854 he moved to Stockton, where he remained 
for two years, at the end of which time he was sent to Mariposa, and 
thence to San Jose, remaining two years at each place, when he was ap- 
pointed Presiding Elder of the San Francisco district, a position which he 
held for one year ; he then moved to Sacramento, and there ministered 
for two years. In the fall of 1862 he moved to Santa Clara, remaining 
there one year, thence proceeded to Petal uma, Sonoma county, where he 
ministered for two years and a half, and during the third year was elected 
Professor of English Literature in the Pacific Methodist College at Vaca- 
ville, a position he retained until the removal of the institution to Santa 
Rosa, in Sonoma county, in 1870. The following year he was employed 
as Sunday School Agent for the Conference, and in the fall of 1871 was 



502 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 

appointed, for the second time, Presiding Elder for the San Francisco dis- 
trict, holding the office for one year. In 1872 he was stationed at San 
Jose, after which he left for Santa Rosa, where he was Presiding Elder 
for that district for four years. In the fall of 1877 he was appointed 
agent for Pacific Methodist College, but during the year was moved and 
stationed in San Francisco. In 1878 he was a delegate to the General 
Conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, in May of that year, and in October 
he moved to Dixon, and has since had pastoral care of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South there. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Simmons was ap- 
pointed to deliver the quarter-century sermon at the session of his Con- 
ference held in Santa Rosa. In 1852 he assisted in the organization of 
the Pacific Annual Conference, and is the only effective member now left. 
Mr. S. married, June 28, 1853, Miss Margaret R. Campbell, of Madison- 
ville, Hopkins county, Ky., by whom he has five children : John C, Jr ; 
Mary Blythe, William A., James H., and Mardis C. 

SMYTHE, PETER, was born in Ottawa county, province of Ontario, Cana- 
da, May 10, 1836, and there received his early education. In the fall of 
1853 he emigrated to Oregon, and engaged in mining operations, at Sail- 
or's Diggings, for one year, when he moved into Klamath county, where 
he embarked in farming, which he prosecuted for nine years. In June, 
18G3, Mr. Smythe came to Silveyville township, Solano county, and set- 
tled on a farm about three miles from Dixon, where he remained till 1868, 
and then moved into that city, being employed in different mercantile 
firms until 1874, when he started in the lumber business for himself, in a 
yard situated on the west side of the railroad and north of the depot. In 
1861-'2 he held the office of Justice of the Peace in Klamath county, Cal, 
and has served one term in a like capacity in Silveyville township, hav- 
ing been elected thereto in 1874. In April, 1878, on the incorporation of 
the City of Dixon, Mr. S. was elected City Trustee, and in the organiza- 
tion of the Board was elected Secretary, which office he still continues to 
hold. He married May 3, 1868, Miss Anna BrowTi, a native of Edenderry, 
King's countj^ Ireland, by whom he has one child, Christiana M. J. T. 

TIMM, PETER, born in Holstein, Germany, November 18, 1836, where he 
learned the trade of a cabinet maker. He then emigrated to Iowa, and 
worked on a farm for four years. In 1859 he crossed the plains to Cali- 
fornia with an ox-team, arriving at Placerville September 20th of that year. 
For his first two years he engaged in mining, and then embarked in farm- 
ing, after which he worked at his trade in San Mateo county, until 1864, 
when he settled on a ranch, about five miles east of Dixon, on which he 
resided for four years ; he then sold out, and purchased that on which he 
now lives, situated half a mile north-east of Dixon. In lS72-'3 Mr. Timm 



THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 503 

was Deputy Assessor of the northern end of the county, and in 1874?-'.5 he 
was Tax Collector for the whole of Solano. When the City of Dixon 
was first started, Mr. Timm moved a large proportion of the houses from 
Silveyville and Maine Prairie. He is a Steward of the Society of Dixon 
Grangers, No. 19. He married, in May, 1867, Miss Cecilia Benk, who was 
born in Holstein, December 25, 1846, by whom he has Laura A. ; Henry ; 
William ; Louisa. 

UDEL, DOCTOR 0. C, (deceased), was born in Ohio, June 8, 1820, where 
he received his education, and graduated in medicine. When twenty- 
four years of age he went to Iowa, and commenced the practice of his 
j)rofession, which he continued for five years. In 1850 he came to Cali- 
fornia, crossing the plains with horses, which were stolen from him when 
near Salt Lake ; he, therefore, was forced to undertake the balance of the 
journey on foot, accompanied by his four companions, which was accom- 
plished by their ai'rival in Yuba county, where he remained till the fol- 
lowing year, and then returned to Iowa. In 1852 he once more crossed 
the plains ; on this occasion, bringing with him his wife and two children, 
as well as a drove of cattle. He now settled near Winters, but on the 
Solano county side of the Putah creek, and confined himself to the rais- 
ing of stock and farming, which he followed as long as he lived. In 
1860 he located on the farm now occupied by his widow, situated four 
miles west of Dixon. He died there on December 11, 1872. Doctor 
Udell married, November 6, 1848, Miss Caroline Winton, who was born 
in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1827. Their children are : 
Alva, David, Edwin, Olivia, May, Carrie (deceased), George, Blanche, 
Raljjh, Grace. 

WEIHE, EDWARD, born in Germany, July 30, 1830. In 1850 came to 
California, and for five years engaged in mining in El Dorado coimty. 
For the next four years he followed the cigar trade in San Francisco, and 
. for two years more in Stockton, whither he has moved his business. Mr. 
Weihe then proceeded to Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras county, and there 
opened an establishment for general merchandise, which he continued for 
nine years, when he i-emoved to San Francisco, and commenced a produce 
business, which he carried on for two years. In 1871 he settled in Dixon, 
where he engaged in the liquor and cigar trade, in connection with which 
he carried on an exchange and broker business. Mr. Weihe maiTied, 
November 17, 1863, Miss Minnie Trencehel, who was born in St. Louis, 
February 12, 1843, by whom he has Gustavus A. P., Otto A., Frederick 
W., Bertie E., Florence C. 



